Findings from interviews of street children in Pretoria, South Africa, are presented, discussed, and compared with past research. Indicates the average age of South African street children is 13 years. Most are males of African origin; have been on the streets three years or longer; and cited family violence, parental alcoholism, abuse, and…

This quarterly newsletter issue discusses the upcoming United Nations-sponsored International Year of the Family (IYF), with a specific focus on activities, trends, and research dealing with Canada. Four feature articles examine: (1) the work of the Canada Committee for the IYF, including activities and publications sponsored by the committee and…

Discusses various aspects of elder abuse: characteristics of victims, common forms of abuse, categories of abuse, victim-abuser relationship, characteristics of abusers, practical responses to the problem, and policy implications and research needs. (CT)

It is estimated that between 3.3 million and 10 million children in the U.S. witness physical violence between their parents each year. This type of violence ranges from overhearing some form of violent behavior from their bedrooms, to seeing severe acts of violence such as beatings or assaults with guns and knives. In many cases, these youth…

Educational needs and interests of seniors and professionals were studied in relation to abuse and mistreatment of older adults in Saskatchewan, Canada. A triangulated approach involved three data collection instruments: telephone questionnaire interviews, focus group meetings, and key informant telephone interviews. Older adults, aged 55 and…

Research examining the epidemiology and etiology of child abuse, parent and child characteristics, and the effects of maltreatment is reviewed. Unemployment, lower social class status, marital discord, and health problems are more common among abusive families. Increased knowledge improves the clinician's ability to intervene, treat, and prevent…

Researchers and policymakers have begun to recognize the extent and severity of family violence, particularly its effects on children. But there is much disagreement about the definition of violence, its development, the consequences for victims, and the most effective avenues for intervention. Advances recommendations for further research.…

This self-study manual, for use by individuals or groups, was developed as a resource for social work practitioners and focuses on the assessment, intervention, and prevention of adolescent abuse and neglect. The introduction presents the philosophy of continuing education on which the manual is based, an overview of the manual, and an article on…

These two Bulletins contain selected articles that highlight research and treatment issues in child abuse and child sexual abuse. The first issue includes the following featured articles: (1) "The Relationships between Animal Abuse and Other Forms of Family Violence" (Phil Arkow), which addresses animal cruelty as a harbinger of…

This commentary discusses the research article "Gender Differences in Abused Children with and without Disabilities" (Sobsey and others) that follows, which found that children with disabilities are at greater risk for being maltreated, that boys are more frequently abused, and that boys with disabilities are sexually abused more frequently than…

The case files of 1,834 abused children found more boys were physically abused and neglected, but more girls were sexually abused. Boys with disabilities were overrepresented in all abuse categories. Although 52% of abused children without disabilities were girls, 65% of abused children with disabilities were boys. (Author/CR)

Examined the relationships between violence within the family and child behavior problems in a sample of 185 children living at battered women shelters. Found that children were affected by witnessing violence between their parents and by harsh punitive discipline, particularly administered by mothers. Family violence variables were better…

This guidebook provides information for caseworkers who investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation and who also provide ongoing case management and follow-up with victims of abuse. The program focuses on caseworkers' attitudes and their knowledge and skills in dealing with abusers, particularly abusers who are chemically…

Discusses life paths of children and their families in cities in the Philippines, India, Brazil, Kenya, and Italy, providing an analysis of the multiple, overlapping crises that lead them to distress. Their life histories illustrate their resilience, but also illustrate how the quality of their relationships to meaningful adults is being…

Judy Gobert (Blackfeet/Salish) struggled with racism and sexual abuse in childhood and with substance abuse and family violence in adulthood. Traditional spirituality, belief in education, and support groups have helped her to heal herself and create a better life for her children and herself. Describes her doctoral research on drug-resistant…