NCJ Number
147029
Journal
Child Welfare Volume: 73 Issue: 1 Dated: (January/February 1994) Pages: 29-39
Date Published
1994
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the fact that child abuse and spouse abuse often coexist within a family. Implications for practice by domestic violence and child welfare services are addressed.
Abstract
Typically, spouse abuse and child abuse have been treated as two separate problems with different services and policies set up to deal with them. There is increasing evidence, however, that both types of abuse often coexist in the same families. More often it is the father who abuses both his wife and children but battered women can also become abusive or neglectful toward their children. Implications of this link between spouse abuse and child abuse for practice by domestic violence services and child welfare workers are discussed. The article stresses the need for these agencies to be aware of the link and work together to ensure that battered women and their children are given access to the means for protecting themselves. Changes are recommended for screening and assessment procedures and treatment that take into consideration that the mother is often a victim as well as the children. Some proposals are offered for future research.