NCJ Number
85266
Journal
Victimology Volume: 5 Issue: 2-4 Dated: (1980) Pages: 213-224
Date Published
1982
Length
51 pages
Annotation
A review of 265 police house calls (made in response to family disturbances) in Helsinki, Finland, in 1977, found that family violence incidents consisted of three categories: battered children, family disputes (the major group), and mental cruelty.
Abstract
Family conflicts were characterized by common alcohol use and unrestrained verbal aggression. Researchers found physical violence in every fourth case. Similarly, every fourth case was of families already known to the police for these problems. House calls were concentrated in areas where residential density is high, income level is low, and where residents often live on welfare. Family violence was not usually directed toward children. Most police officers felt that house calls did not belong to the 'real work of the police.' The concept of family violence needs greater clarification before it can be successfully treated. Study data and 33 references are supplied. (Author abstract modified)