NCJ Number
178603
Date Published
1998
Length
123 pages
Annotation
This examination of the impact of family violence on children and adolescents covers multiple forms of family violence, including abuse toward spouses, children, and elders, psychological maltreatment, and the witnessing of violence.
Abstract
The first chapter discusses the definition, history, and societal costs of family violence, followed by a chapter that delineates various proposed theories of the etiology of family violence as well as documentation for these frameworks. Chapter 3 explores the impact of intrafamilial violence directed toward youth by caregivers and siblings. Child witnessing of various types of family violence is the focus of Chapter 4, with attention to spousal and elder abuse. Chapter 5 addresses the destructive aspects of psychological maltreatment. To provide a contrast to the current conditions in the United States, Chapter 6 presents a cross-cultural exploration of family violence, followed by two chapters that explore available assessment procedures and intervention techniques. Chapter 9 recounts the "resilient child" and lessons learned from this type of youth. Prevention strategies are also explained in this chapter, and future research directions are described in Chapter 10 to assist mental health professionals and researchers who address the needs of this population. 231 references and a subject index