Family Violence: A Clinical and Legal Guide

Family violence poses a significant threat to society -- it is repetitive, increases in severity as it persists, and is transmitted across generations and to society. However, it often escapes undiagnosed, and resources for both treatment and research are either inadequate or lacking. Family Violence: A Clinical and Legal Guide provides the most comprehensive look to date at the problem of family violence. Professionals in mental health, medicine, and law who encounter victims of family violence will find this book an invaluable resource. It will also serve as an excellent educational tool for psychiatric and psychology students, and it is intended to stimulate the development of effective curricula for both medical and mental health professionals and the public.

Chapter by chapter, this book covers all types of family violence, including child physical and sexual abuse, child neglect, domestic violence, and elder abuse and neglect. Risk factors specific to each type of family violence are identified. Assessment and treatment guidelines are offered, including a discussion of therapy for memory of trauma in adult survivors of childhood maltreatment. The prevention of abuse is addressed, and clinical practice resources are listed.

Legal information pertinent to both patients and clinicians is provided by Howard A. Davidson, J.D., Director, ABA Center on Children and the Law, American Bar Association, Washington, D.C. In each of the first seven chapters, a section entitled "Legal Commentary" focuses on two areas: First, issues related to abused persons, other family members, and offenders are outlined. Next, "Guidance for Mental Health Professionals and Practitioners" discusses the legal responsibilities and rights of mental health and other medical professionals and offer guidance for those testifying in legal proceedings. An appendix includes legal resources.