Self-injurious behavior has only recently been recognized as a behavioral manifestation of physically battered children. The author reports a high rate of that behavior in sexually abused children and proposes a number of etiological factors accounting for it. (Author)

The primary purpose of this study is to determine whether child protective services investigators apply a recognizable set of criteria to substantiate batterers and victims of battering for exposing their children to domestic violence. Although domestic violence occurred in 35% of the 1,248 substantiated incidents of child maltreatment, only 31…

Many child welfare systems are unable to effectively identify and address co-occurring domestic violence and child maltreatment. In response, the Dependency Court Intervention Program for Family Violence implemented a protocol to identify indicators of domestic violence in families involved with child protection proceedings. This article…

Designed to aid those investigating reports of incest, the model presented in this article provides guidelines on how to protect the victim while allowing her to remain in her parents' home, prepare the family for treatment, and motivate family members to continue treatment until they are ready for discharge. (Author/MP)

Describes a family therapy treatment for child sexual abuse. Three stages of treatment, noncommittal or oppositional, middle, and resolution stage, are outlined. Treatments for offender, victim and nonoffending parent are explained. (DG)

Accidental and purposeful disclosures of sexual abuse that were made by children from 3 to 17 years of age who were confirmed as credible victims were studied. The large majority of children at first denied the abuse. Maintains that disclosure is a process with definable phases and characteristics. (BB)

Discusses the reasons why children are involved in court proceedings and the effects of the experience on their well-being, especially for children who are victims or witnesses to criminal activity, violence, and abuse. Drop-in child day care is discussed as a possible program model to support families and counteract the risks to children. (MDM)

Presents an overview of the Minneapolis Domestic Abuse Project's program of support and education groups for children of battered women. Discusses clinical issues involved in working with these children. (BB)

Explores reasons for recantation of abuse allegations and the problems recantation presents for the continued safety of the child and for the efficacy of child protective services and criminal justice interventions. Offers practical steps for prosecutors, child protective workers, attorneys, law enforcement investigators, and members of…

Explores professionals' practice of heightening the awareness of child abuse victims as either a goal or a by-product of the investigation-treatment process. Suggests guidelines indicating when it may be advisable to heighten awareness during treatment and when it should be avoided. (HOD)

Examines the emotional and situational factors that influence the child victim's role in sexual assult by adults, and the social implications of blaming the victim. (Author/CM)

Through a literature review and a family systems analysis illustrated by four case studies, parricide is shown to be a logical culmination of factors--notably, severe abuse, the presence of guns, and family and community ignorance or denial of abuse. (Author/MP)