The diverse research on the patterns and characteristics of violent behavior in the United States is assessed by a panel of experts in this monograph. The monograph describes what is known about certain types of violence, details insights into risk factors for violence in individuals and situations, and recommends new research efforts with short-…

Uses lifetime perspective on family socialization as framework for understanding effects of divorce and remarriage on family violence. Identifies three family socialization experiences (family of origin, family in transition, and current family) that shape behavior. Recommends extending framework to investigate other family transitions and…

Notes development of techniques to use folk stories as aid in redefining problems faced by battered women, increasing self-esteem, decreasing resistance, and encouraging alternative solutions to difficult situations. Presents case study of use of story in battered women's support group session to illustrate value of folk stories in counseling…

In addition to emotional, physical, and economic issues, battered women from fundamentalist churches have religious issues that need to be addressed. Clergy may not help because of their legalistic attitudes about marriage and sex roles. Explains teachings of fundamentalist churches, explores how they perpetuate violent relationships, and offers…

Applies structural family systems perspective to clinical intervention in violent families. Describes structural family therapy techniques which were used with a multi-problem family whose symptoms included family violence. Discusses cooperation needed among researchers, therapists, and therapy trainers who would use a systems approach to analyze…

Problems related to family violence are complex and multi-faceted and involve large numbers of people in this country. A number of types of violence in families are identified initially; however, the manual focuses on the concerns of battered women, or interspousal abuse. Information focuses on: (1) the nature, causes and effects of family…

This report describes family violence and sexual assault and the specific nature and extent of the problem in Wyoming as illustrated by data obtained from statewide surveys and studies. Past efforts to address the problem are presented in an historical overview. Program operations are described, including the areas of safe houses, support groups,…

Child advocates have succeeded in getting child abuse recognized as a serious social problem requiring governmental response. Ironically, this success now threatens the viability of child abuse programs: 65 percent of all reports are ultimately dismissed. This flood of unfounded reports violates parental rights and overwhelms the limited resources…

Synthesizes theoretical and empirical findings about psychological responses to traumatization across survivors of rape, childhood sexual or physical abuse, domestic violence, crime, disasters, and the Vietnam War. Describes five major categories of response and presents new theoretical model for understanding individual variations in victim…

Describes a number of brief interventions for providing services directly to children, including individual counseling as well as peer, sibling, and family group meetings. Mothers received education regarding parenting skills. A school liaison system was established; the shelter staff members were trained regarding child advocacy. (Author)

The American Psychological Association (APA) Task Force on Violence and the Family was convened to bring psychological research and clinical experience to bear on the problem of family violence and to make recommendations for solutions. This report of the Task Force highlights the need for a systematic, multi-faceted, multidisciplinary, and…

Maintains that abusive parents are often the victims of child abuse and consequently experience conflict and trauma in development, leaving them unable to make normal adult adjustment to the role of parent. Presents a psychoeducational outpatient treatment model aimed at helping abusive parents acquire skills that they lack as a result of deficits…

Developed creative approach to conduct needs assessment in rural schools that involved sending questionnaires to 49 key informants and 145 high school students. Key informants and students agreed that the 2 most serious issues were alcohol-related problems and family dysfunction (violence, divorce). Both groups indicated need for a teen center;…

Prepared as an address to the White House Conference on Families, this addendum includes state by state summaries of recommendations for solving some of the key problems facing American families today. Included are recommendations from the following states: Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, and…

In 1987, the Governor of Alaska's Interim Commission on Children and Youth was given two tasks: (1) to develop a plan for a first-class child care system for working parents statewide that is workable, fair and sensibly integrates with the public schools; and (2) to produce a comprehensive plan to combat the problems facing Alaskans so they are…