This report defines domestic violence as a method of maintaining control through the use of force. An historical perspective is presented which describes the many centuries during which men legally wielded absolute power over their wives and children, who were considered to be chattel of the husband. Different hypotheses suggest various causal…

One of the reasons why so few parents question the wisdom of "spare the rod and spoil the child" and why so few researchers have investigated the potential adverse effects, is probably the culturally accepted assumption that, when done "in moderation," physical punishment is harmless and sometimes necessary. This study starts from assumptions that…

A survey was conducted in Massachusetts to determine the effect of some welfare policy changes among families who receive public assistance and have experienced domestic violence. Interviews were conducted with a representative sample of 734 Massachusetts women who received welfare between January and June 1996. The survey found that one-fifth of…

Presents a proposed model to organize spouse abuse services within communities. Proposes family service agencies take the lead in organizing and implementing the program. The community team would consist of representatives from agencies and disciplines that serve spouse abuse families. The community would benefit from direct services to affected…

There are many studies of violence in marriage and in dating. Methodological differences between studies, however, make it difficult to determine differences in the nature and extent of physical assault between marital status groups. This study analyzed data from two surveys: a study of 526 dating couples at a large midwestern university, and a…

A community sample of 617 adult women completed a questionnaire about witnessing interparental physical conflicts before the age of 16. Twenty percent of respondents reported witnessing some type of physical conflict between parents. Mean age when physical conflict was first observed was eight. Women who witnessed parental physical conflict…

Hypothesized battered women (compared with nonbattered women) use more violence, receive lower levels of social support, and experience higher levels of self-blame. Also hypothesized these three variables are interrelated. Research results supported all the major hypotheses and revealed female-to-male violence in battered women is negatively…