Stopping the Violence: Prevention Strategies for Families (From Families in Transition: Primary Prevention Programs That Work, V 11, P 252-285, 1988, Lynne A Bond and Barry M Wagner, eds.)

• NCJ Number: 111521
• Author(s): C F Swift
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 34 pages
• Sale Source: Sage Publications, Inc
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The presented model links stress and risk factors as major contributors to family violence and identifies social supports, coping skills, and self-esteem as factors that contribute to healthy family functioning.

Abstract

Prior to presenting the model, the discussion traces the development of family violence and prevention as fields of study. After outlining the model's components, specific programs are presented as examples of preventive approaches consistent with the model. Suggested programs designed to reduce stress in families focus on unemployment, the onset of parenting, social isolation, low socioeconomic status, and cultural norms. Suggestions for reducing risk status for family violence address sex and age, nonnormative status e.g., second marriages, stepchildren), status incompatibilities, and an intergenerational cycle of abuse. Programmatic suggestions also pertain to increasing social supports, coping skills, and self-esteem. The discussion concludes with the observation that system change is the most powerful and logical preventive intervention. Without a reduction in the power differential between the sexes and a rejection of physical violence as a solution to interpersonal problems, preventive approaches to family violence will amount to little more than 'band-aids.' 3 notes and 33 references.