PHYSICAL VIOLENCE IN FAMILIES (FROM FAMILIES TODAY: A RESEARCH SAMPLER ON FAMILIES AND CHILDREN, VOLUME II, P 553- 576, 1979, EUNICE CORFMAN, ED. -- SEE NCJ-146059)

• NCJ Number: 146063
• Author(s): M A Straus; R J Gelles; H Yahraes
• Date Published: 1979
• Length: 24 pages
• Grant Number(s): MH-27557
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Mental Health
• Sale Source: Superintendent of Documents, GPO; National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The extent of child abuse and other family violence was investigated in 1975 using questionnaires, checklists, and interviews with a sample of 2,143 families.

Abstract

Based on generalizing the survey findings to the total population, it was determined that about 15 percent of all children are physically attacked by a parent each year. About 58 percent of respondents reported slapping or spanking their children, and about 3 percent reported kicking, biting, or hitting their children with a fist. Boys were treated violently only somewhat more often than girls. Physical force was used more frequently against younger children than against older children. Of the adults interviewed, 28 percent reported that the husband acted violently toward the wife during the year. Violence by wives against husbands was also encountered. The effect of family conflict and childrearing on violent behavior is examined. Recommendations to prevent spouse abuse and other family violence are offered that focus on education, media violence, physical punishment, social and psychological dimensions of violence, sexist stereotypes of family responsibilities, and quality day care for preschool children. 9 references