NCJ Number
102976
Date Published
1986
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The prevention of domestic violence requires efforts to deal with four of the contributing factors: the high level of conflict that characterizes family life, the dominance of males in the family and in society, cultural norms that permit family violence, and the inadvertent training in violence that takes place in most families.
Abstract
The incidence of domestic violence is high. Available data also indicate that this violence produces several adverse effects on mental health: suicide, depression, and antisocial behavior. Not all family conflict involves violence, but much of it does. Families need courses and workshops in community settings to provide training in problemsolving skills. Promoting equality for women both inside and outside the home will also address the male dominance that is another important risk factor. Churches, educational institutions, and marriage license applications are all potential sources of information to promote change in the cultural norms that accept accept violence within the family while rejecting violence outside it. Finally, parent education programs and the mental health professions need to deal with the nearly universal acceptance of physical punishment for young children. They must clearly oppose physical punishment and provide alternative forms of discipline. Other known risk factors for family violence also need attention. Figures, table, footnote, and 21 references.