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Stopping Family Violence: Research Priorities for the Coming Decade

NCJ Number
111627
Author(s)
D Finkelhor; G T Hotaling; K Yllo
Date Published
1988
Length
127 pages
Annotation
After assessing the history of family violence research, this book prioritizes needed research on physical child abuse, child sexual abuse, and spouse abuse, based on a survey of experts in the field of family violence.
Abstract
A review of family violence research, dating back to the 1962 Kempe study on the 'Battered Child Syndrome,' shows research achievements in three areas. A significant amount of information has been obtained on the prevalance of various types of family violence, and there is significant evidence on risk factors for family violence. Research has also provided substantial knowledge on the victimization effects of family violence. Of the 11 research proposals regarding physical child abuse, the topics having highest priority are the evaluation of physical abuse prevention strategies, the long-term effects of child abuse, the evaluation of alternatives in child protection, and physically abusive fathers. Of the 13 research proposals pertaining to child sexual abuse, the 3 having highest priority are the effectiveness of offender treatment, therapeutic alternatives for sexually abused children, and undetected molesters. The research topics having highest priority in the area of spouse abuse are what stops wife abuse, help-seeking by abused wives, and a comparison of community approaches to the handling of wife abuse. Each research proposal generally includes need and rationale, goals, and design considerations. Special ethical concerns in family violence research are identified and discussed. 78 references.

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