Reports on a study that compared physically abusive mothers with mothers who were not abusive and found that empathy, or lack of it, may be a more critical factor than stress in determining a parent's tendency to abuse a child. Implications for practice are described. (Author)

Examines sexist assumptions about the roles of family members, on which basis the mother--instead of the actual offender--is usally blamed for the assault. Presents an analysis of incest that seeks to help professionals empower the victims of male violence. (Author)