NCJ Number
19416
Date Published
1974
Length
22 pages
Annotation
OVERVIEW OF THE PROBLEMS AND INCIDENCE OF WIFE BATTERING, WITH DISCUSSION OF ITS VARIOUS SOCIAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PSYCHIATRIC CAUSAL FACTORS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO CHILD BATTERING AND WIFE KILLING.
Abstract
USING CASE HISTORIES TO DESCRIBE VARIED PATTERNS OF WIFE BATTERING, THE AUTHORS DEMONSTRATE THE COMPLEXITY OF HOME AND MARITAL FACTORS INVOLVED IN THIS CONDITION WHICH IS REGARDED AS A FAILURE IN ADAPTATION OR A FAILURE TO ACQUIRE ADEQUATE SOCIAL LEARNING. THEY FIND THAT CLASSIFICATION IS BOTH POSSIBLE AND NECESSARY, AND THAT MANY BATTERED WIVES MAKE USE OF HELP WHEN IT IS AVAILABLE. CHILD BATTERING BY BOTH PARENTS IS FOUND IN SOME FREQUENCY IN HOMES WHERE THE WIFE IS ALSO ASSAULTED. POLICE PROTECTION IS RECOGNIZED AS EFFECTIVE IN ONLY THE MILDEST CASES. RECOMMENDED MEASURES INCLUDE THE NEED FOR MORE DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH, THE PROMOTION OF CLOSE LIAISON BETWEEN THE APPROPRIATE GOVERNMENTAL AND VOLUNTARY SERVICE AGENCIES, THE CREATION OF A 24-HOUR ADVISORY SERVICE, THE CREATION OF MORE SHORT-TERM ACCOMODATION PROJECTS FOR BATTERED WIVES AND CHILDREN, AND A CONTINUING PROGRAM OF LOCAL AND NATIONAL EDUCATION, PARTICULARLY IN THE SCHOOLS.