NCJ Number
101586
Date Published
1984
Length
212 pages
Annotation
An analysis of domestic assault examines the reasons for abuse of wives and children and presents treatment models and recommendations for family life education.
Abstract
Religious teachings, cultural norms, the media, and psychological factors all contribute to wife beating, which is far more common than husband beating. Women remain in battering relationships because of fear, isolation, lack of resources, psychological factors, and cultural factors. A comprehensive approach to treatment should use separate groups for husbands and wives. The male group should focus on ending violent behavior and learning new ways to express anger. The women's group should provide support and awareness that their problem is not unique. Both groups should focus on communication skills, assertiveness training, individuation, and appropriate expectations of the other sex. Child abuse results from both sociological and psychological factors. Its treatment requires recognition that no one therapist or treatment modality can effectively produce change in abusive families. Public education in family living is needed as a component of prevention of domestic violence. Footnotes and sample questionnaire.