Theoretical frameworks for the understanding of violence are presented, with attention to the biological, psychological, sociological, and anthropological perspectives. An examination of the concept of family well-being considers links between this concept and violence. One chapter discusses the parameters of the abuse of female partners, while others examine the theory, forms and patterns of child abuse and neglect and intrafamilial sexual abuse. The characteristics, incidence, and causes of domestic abuse of the elderly also are delineated. Following a discussion of the intergenerational transmission of violence and links between wife abuse and child abuse, nursing care of violence families is discussed with reference to assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation. Special considerations in the provision of nursing care to battered women, abused children, and children of violent families also are addressed. Additional sections are devoted to the interactions between the nurse and the police and the nurse and the legal system in cases involving abused women and children. Implications for nursing are then considered. Nursing conceptual models, theory, and research on family violence are reviewed and discussed as they relate to nursing practice and education. Chapter notes, almost 300 references, and an index are included. For individual articles, see NCJ 96026-38.