Four types of family violence are discussed: child, partner, elder, and sibling abuse. Three forms in which each of these types of violence appear in families are presented: physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Child neglect, although a form of child abuse, is not discussed because it is not considered a form of family violence. A chapter on aggression in general presents four theoretical perspectives on aggression and a model that synthesizes aspects of these various theories. The chapter on child abuse advises that one of the most effective treatment modalities for adult survivors of child abuse is group treatment that enables members to share their experiences with others in the group and to receive support from them as they learn better ways of coping with the effects of their childhood abuse. The chapter on partner abuse includes discussions of marital rape, partner abuse in gay and lesbian relationships, and battered husbands. Other topics addressed in this chapter include the cycle of violence, effects of abuse on the victim, impact of the abuse on children, the treatment of perpetrators, victim services, and the prevention of partner abuse. The chapter on elder abuse addresses abuse in nursing homes; the incidence of abuse; victim characteristics; perpetrator profiles; and the assessment, intervention, and prevention for elder abuse. The concluding chapter discusses the nature, incidence, treatment, and prevention of sibling abuse. 832 references and a subject index