NCJ Number
112706
Date Published
1987
Length
60 pages
Annotation
Evaluation results are presented for a group counseling program for children in abusive families in Minnesota.
Abstract
During 1986, 49 boys and girls, aged 3 to 12, participated in 9 groups that met for 10 or 12 weekly sessions. Of these children, 90 percent were white, 61 percent lived in single-parent families, almost all had witnessed domestic violence, and 29 percent were identified as victims of physical or sexual assault themselves prior to program participation. Results indicated that knowledge of domestic abuse had increased for children 9 or older as a result of participation. Children appeared better able to identify violence, although some had a mistaken notion about the abuse concept after participation -- i.e., confusing it with legitimate parental disciplinary techniques or limiting it to only physical violence. Also, some children did not clearly grasp the concept that abusive parental behavior was not the child's fault. There also was evidence that participants had developed personal protection plans, although several children appeared unclear about the purpose of these plans. There was some evidence that children's attitudes toward violence or abuse were less favorable after the program and that children were able to apply a nonviolent problemsolving approach. There were strong indications from both parents and children that program participation had been a positive experience. Almost all parents agreed the program had been helpful, enjoyable, and worthwhile for their children. Parents' comments also suggested that the program had a positive effect on the whole family. Evaluation instruments and additional data are appended. 10 tables and 6 references.