The book's central contention is that positive support for mothers subject to abuse is typically the most beneficial response for children. Moreover, any direct work undertaken with the children themselves must build on models developed specifically in contexts where the abuse of women is best understood, for example, in refuges and other settings where domestic violence is constructively addressed. A review of relevant research shows convincing evidence that domestic violence is highly relevant to children's current and future well-being and does overlap significantly with child abuse; however, the review notes that the research is sparse, requiring further exploration of important conceptual and methodological issues. Other chapters highlight the impact on children of the abuse of their mothers, explore good practice with such children, and examine the links between abuse of women in the home and the abuse of children. A chapter provides children's accounts, both current and retrospective, of the issues and experiences associated with their reaction to spousal violence. Another chapter focuses on the particular issues encountered by black and Asian children who experience spousal violence in their homes. Remaining chapters assess the consequences of recent British legislation, especially the Children Act 1989 and the Child Support Act 1991, for women's ability to protect themselves and their children; examine the interventions of professionals; and question certain "truths," such as the "cycle of violence" and the tenet that "families need fathers." A 320-item bibliography and subject and author indexes