Examines widespread belief that blacks, and particularly young black inner-city males, are far more prone to violence than are whites. Considers family problems and Aid to Families with Dependent Children; racial stereotypes of welfare recipients; the underclass; victims of crime; and drug abuse. Concludes that, despite its weak foundation, myth…

Presents national data on each state's legislative approach to custody cases involving allegations of domestic violence. Findings suggest that each regulatory schema has strengths and weaknesses, but that these approaches have been developed without the benefit of extensive study. (Contains 45 references and 1 table.) (GCP)

U.S. Supreme Court rule that child, through guardian ad litem, and biological mother could not sue in federal courts social worker and Winnebago County, Wisconsin, Department of Social Services for injuries caused by father because 14th Amendment to U.S. Constitution does not provide individuals with protection from private violence. Social…

Presents case report of two children who observed their mother being murdered by their father. Notes that theories of psychosocial development and social learning guided assessment and intervention phases. Delineates behavioral and expressive therapeutic treatment strategies that helped children work through resultant anxiety and underlying grief.…

Social workers are increasingly being called on to assist survivors of childhood abuse, domestic violence, violent crime, disasters, and war and terrorism. It has become increasingly apparent that the psychological effects of traumatic events extend beyond those directly affected. Secondary traumatic stress (STS) is becoming viewed as an…

Surveyed high school students (N=256) in Sacramento, California. Found that 35.1 percent had experienced some form of abuse in their dating relationships. Explored the severity of the violence and its intergenerational component. (Author/ABB)

Investigates a largely uncharted dynamic in the literature--the incidence of wife abuse among incestuous families--and suggests that professional caregivers reevaluate conventional treatment modalities that are based on certain assumptions regarding the mother's role in incest. (Author)

Reports that threats of violence and actual assaults against therapists are both real and frequent occupational hazards. Offers suggestions for prevention of violence such as anticipating the behavior, having well defined procedures for managing the behavior, and helping the patient verbalize angry or resentful feelings. (LLL)

Reports preliminary evidence on an innovative approach to gang violence which relies on community mobilization, social intervention, suppression, opportunities provision, organizational development, and targeting. Describes program processes and outcomes. The project involved teams of community youth workers, tactical police officers, adult…

This article reviews the social science, legal, and criminal justice literature regarding interventions used to stop domestic violence. Examines the theoretical foundations and effectiveness of police interventions, the use of protective orders, prosecutions and victim advocacy, court responses, and coordinated community responses to domestic…

Presents the findings of a focus group research project with battered women in Tokyo, Japan. Participants' narratives of their experience suggest a web of entrapment, from which women saw little possibility of escape. The article discusses implications for social work practice and research with immigrant battered women, those from Japan in…

Social work that is involved with community relations for the purpose of addressing "hate violence" acts directed at minorities is an important field of practice. Four types of groups, those composed of community members, victims, perpetrators, and organizational representatives, are described, and the skills needed for effective work with each…

Tests Frank's model of oppressive situations and asymmetric role-taking in a survey of 66 battered women and 80 nonbattered women. Battered women's social situations were characterized by powerlessness, social isolation, and economic dependency. Develops the value of this theoretical approach with its emphasis on enhancing women's power base and…

Conflict and violence in the workplace have emerged as a real but inadequately explored concern in the social work profession. The present study surveyed a national random sample of 1,029 NASW members about their experiences with client violence and with physical and psychological assault in relationship to practice setting, age, gender, and…

Presents results of empirical studies that contradict the popular conception of domestic violence as essentially a masculine form of assaultive behavior. Suggests that the popular view has contributed to men's increasing legal and social defenselessness. Discusses the appropriateness of psychotherapeutic approaches to the problem. (Author/KS)