This study of 234 validated sexual abuse cases (in which 59% of perpetrators were household members) calls into question the belief that children gradually disclose their abuse in a quasi-developmental process that follows sequential stages. Of the cases, 96% of victims made a partial or full disclosure of abuse during at least 1 interview with…

Surveyed 272 high school juniors and seniors concerning violence and agonistic sibling relationships. Findings indicated that siblings engaged in variety of violent acts directed toward one another and that there were few gender differences as to extent of such behaviors. Subjects reported experience of negative physical and verbal interactions…

Investigates interspousal violence using a model of interpersonal violence derived from the aggression literature. Finds that destructive forms of communication such as verbal aggressiveness lead to physical violence, whereas constructive forms such as argumentativeness reduce the chance of escalation to physical aggression. (SR)

This paper examines two types of interaction between families and professionals that appear to accompany escalating, and potentially fatal, child abuse. In the case of "closure," families attempt to withdraw from contact with the outside world and particularly from monitoring professionals. In "covert warnings," families approach professionals and…

Data from an observational study of police behavior are used to test the thesis that arrest is less likely for spousal violence. Findings indicate that although officers are unlikely to arrest in spousal assault cases, they are equally unlikely to arrest in other types of violence. (JBJ)

This study of 60 contested custody cases in Florida found that judges appeared responsive to allegations of abuse with regard to awards of the children's primary physical residence but not with regard to shared custody. Reports of parental substance abuse had no apparent impact on judicial decision making. (Author/JDD)

Validates a behavior inventory that was developed to measure the physical and psychological abuse of women by their partners. For the study, 100 men and 78 women were divided into groups of abusers/abused and nonabusers/nonabused. Significant differences between the abusers and nonabusers groups' scores supported the instrument's soundness. (RJM)

Nonoffending mothers' (n=99) self-reported symptom distress was measured across 3 groups of sexual abuse types: incest, relative, and nonrelative. A multiple regression analysis of psychosocial characteristics indicated that a mother's perceived aloneness in facing the crisis and a personal history of adult sexual assault were positively related…

Investigated intergenerational transmission of violence among college students in dating relationships (n=380). Severe abuse by his father predicted a man's violent behavior. Witnessing marital violence predicted a woman's liberal attitudes and a man's conservative attitudes. Discrepancy in attitudes toward women and particularly a woman's liberal…

Causes of child abuse by parents are discussed. A therapy program in Buenos Aires (Argentina) for abusive parents is described. The program utilizes self-help groups as part of the therapeutic plan and has found them to be promising. Referral, types of interactions with the groups, and short-, medium-, and long-term objectives are discussed. (BRM)

Explores the effectiveness of modeling acts of aggression and dominance as casual indicators of forms of wife abuse and their effects on women's health, including physical injuries, psychopathology, alterations to psyche, anger, alcohol and drug use, and subsequent general health status. New estimates of the relative severity are provided.…

An ASBO member and chair of New York's School Emergency Response to Violent Events (SERVE) explains how this program tackles violence and teen suicide. SERVE teaches the basic principles of hostage situations, uses a confidential reporting system, and advocates safety audits and risk-reduction strategies. (MLH)

Discusses domestic violence as a social issue and the roles of school, social worker, and teacher in combating domestic violence. Focuses on teachers' roles in identifying domestic violence and includes questions to assist in identification. Suggests ways to respond to a child's disclosure of violence, and classroom strategies to establish a…

Examines how the coexisting risk factors of sexual abuse and parental substance use contribute to psychopathology in women. Results indicate that depression, trauma symptoms, antisocial behaviors, and suicidal behaviors are related to childhood experiences of sexual and physical abuse. The need for future research to examine multiple childhood…

Discusses the use of a solution-focused approach by child welfare workers to interviewing children and families in crisis and risk situations. Notes that this practice accepts a systemic view, acknowledging the importance of context on people and their problems; holds a belief in client self-determination; and indicates respect for individuals.…