Violence Toward Children in the Family and the Role of Law (From Family Violence Against Children: A Challenge for Society, P 3-18, 1996, Detlev Frehsee, Wiebke Horn, et. al., eds. - See NCJ- 176812)

• NCJ Number: 176813
• Author(s): D Frehsee
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 16 pages
• Sale Source: Walter de Gruyter & Co
• Language: English
• Country: Germany (Unified)

Annotation

In Germany and most other countries, the law permits the use of moderate physical violence by parents against their children, and legal issues associated with the parent-child relationship and the use of corporal punishment by parents are addressed.

Abstract

Studies suggest that different attitudes exist toward the use of violence in raising children, and statistics show that about 81 percent of children experience some form of violence at the hands of parents. An important issue to consider in this regard concerns parental motivation. If the purpose of an act is to inflict pain, it may be considered a violent act. If an act is carried out for emotional and affective reasons, it may not necessarily be construed as a violent act. The use of physical violence as a means of social control is discussed, and the German legal system's response to such violence is evaluated. The focus is on prosecution, child and family services, child protection, and legal sanctions. 44 references, 1 note, and 7 figures