NCJ Number
114444
Editor(s)
G T Hotaling,
D Finkelhor,
J T Kirkpatrick,
M A Straus
Date Published
1988
Length
323 pages
Annotation
Based on the Second National Conference for Family Violence Research held at the University of New Hampshire, these 21 research papers focus on the definitions of domestic assault, decisionmaking by adult victims regarding seeking help or continuing or ending an abusive relationship, the response of the criminal justice system, responses of health care providers and protective service agencies, and research on prevention of child abuse.
Abstract
The analyses include both literature reviews and empirical studies and focus on spouse abuse as well as child abuse and neglect. Three papers address the issue of what actions are defined and labeled as abuse, battering, and victimization. Additional papers examine how victims view and make decisions about their own options. Additional articles focus on police attitudes toward domestic assault, the impact of interagency efforts to address family violence, and the social responses of mental health systems and hospitals. Further papers examine the factors that influence the response of the child protection system in dealing with abuse and neglect, the impact of foster care on future delinquency, and the relative effectiveness of self-help groups and traditional casework in treating child abuse. Tables, figures, chapter notes, chapter reference lists, and author biographies.