Belief in the reality of the violence, empowerment of clients, cognitive and emotional integration, and development of cognitive awareness of the trauma and its short- and long-term consequences are common goals in the approach to family violence. These goals are also paramount to the treatment of those suffering from PTSD. PTSD is characterized by symptoms of intrusion and/or avoidance and denial accompanied by hyperarousal, irritability, and hypervigilance. The changes essential for a future without family violence involve sociocultural issues; primary prevention programs; legal system reforms; training, treatment and service coordination; research in child physical and sexual abuse; and spouse/partner and parent/elder abuse. While the study of trauma and violence is not new, the field of family violence as trauma is emerging as a specific discipline for both lay persons and professionals involved in its treatment. 27 references