Spouse abuse, child abuse, and abuse of the elderly are all examined. An introduction provides a historical overview of research and practice related to family violence and a discussion of basic aspects of family functioning that should be considered when first meeting the family suspected of being violent. Subsequent chapters review current knowledge about the social and psychological environments of the violent family. Also examined are the individuals in violent families and the processes that define their dysfunctional behavior. Available information about 'special' perpetrators and victims, such as the male victim of sexual abuse, is presented. Chapters directed specifically to attorneys and clinicians review recent research on reforms in legal practice, and logistical changes in courtroom procedure, and rationale for specific approaches to the issues confronting attorneys. Further chapters examine clinical work with violent families, with emphasis on the basic skills used in the clinical process, the assessment of the violent family, and treatment methods. The final section describes problems common to both attorneys and clinicians in their work with violent families. It includes practical suggestions for interviewing children, working with hostile individuals, predicting violence, working with low-income or minority families, approaching a family member with a personality or affective disorder, and developing strategies for expert witnesses. Charts, tables, appended author references, and 910 references.