Extent of Family Violence in Europe

• NCJ Number: 206286
• Journal: Violence Against Women Volume: 10 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2004 Pages: 749-769
• Author(s): Helmut Kury; Joachim Obergfell-Fuchs; Gunda Woessner
• Date Published: July 2004
• Length: 21 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey; Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article reviews current victim studies of family violence (partner violence and child abuse) in Europe and interprets the variation in the prevalence rates.

Abstract

Although the prevalence of child maltreatment in European countries has been determined largely by official statistics, this review identified five studies of child maltreatment in continental European countries that suggests much higher prevalence rates than has been indicated by official statistics. A German study found that child sexual abuse varied from a low of 2 percent for boys to a high of 20 percent for girls. A Bavarian study found that 28 percent of children had been physically abused by their parents. Prevalence rates for child maltreatment have differed substantially across countries in Europe according to a UNICEF study of infanticide. There are only a few national surveys that have estimated the prevalence of adult partner violence in Europe. This review was able to identify only six recent studies. Differences in definitions of partner violence and in the measurement of such violence have contributed to variation in prevalence rates; cultural and economic differences among European countries have also contributed to variations in the prevalence of partner violence. The studies reviewed in this article pertain to Germany, New Zealand, Sweden, Great Britain, and Spain. Overall, this review concludes that research over the past 30 years has shown that violence is a daily part of life in numerous European families. Still, studies have yet to produce clear and unambiguous data on family violence. Further cross-national research is needed to better assess and compare prevalence rates of family violence in European countries. A European survey, much like the National Family Violence Survey conducted in the United States, is an example of what might be done. 1 table, 2 figures, and 42 references