Although popular literature cites between 25,000 and 100,000 parental child snatchings a year, no empirical studies have been conducted to support this estimate. To determine an empirical estimate of the extent of parental child snatchings, telephone interviews were conducted by Louis Harris and Associates with a representative cross section of…

This paper discusses the problems of conducting research on a low-base rate sensitive family problem, parental child snatching, and proposes that telephone interviewing is a cost efficient and methodologically appropriate solution to these problems. The paper reviews the scant literature on parental child snatching by presenting what are…

This paper presents the data from a national survey of family violence and suggests that the roots of family violence lie in the organization of the family and in implicit cultural norms tolerating or approving violence as a means for social control. (Author/EB)

The idea of a dramatic rise in child abuse is one of the main myths which clouds the clear perception and understanding of the problem of child abuse and neglect in America. This paper will address this and other "myths" in order to clarify the issue of child abuse. (Author)

Examines the extent of violence toward parents by adolescent children in relation to: (1) sex and age of the child; (2) the likelihood that mothers, more than fathers, are victims of children's violence; (3) social factors that may influence child to parent violence; and (4) stress as a factor in family violence. (Author/MJL)

Whereas research in the 60s tended to view domestic violence as rare and confined to mentally disturbed and/or poor people, research in the 70s revealed family violence as an extensive phenomenon which could not be explained solely as a consequence of psychological factors or income. (Author)

This paper examines the major problems which confront researchers who wish to study sensitive topics in family relations. The major obstacles typically encountered are (1) locating subjects; (2) getting cooperation; and (3) obtaining valid and reliable data. A second section of the paper discusses methods of overcoming these obstacles. One…

Reports on the impact of the Minneapolis (Minnesota) Police Experiment, which indicated that a policy of mandatory or presumptive arrest was a deterrent to domestic violence. Discusses how police departments began to adopt this approach. Recommends that arrest be one of several control methods used in domestic violence cases. (CFR)

Discusses problems of definition of elderly abuse. Examines data and research on the rates of elderly abuse and factors found related to elderly abuse. Critiques theories developed to explain the abuse of the elderly. Presents recommendations for research and practice. (RC)

Considers whether research on family violence can be applied to clinical practice. Suggests limitations of the knowledge base constrain the application of research on family violence to clinical work, and certain aspects of the research paradigm also limit the transfer of research knowledge to clinical practice. (Author)

A study involving 1,146 families with children between 3 and 17 years old was conducted to assess the extent and cause of violence and aggression on children by their parents. Research regarding incidence, modes, and patterns of child abuse was reviewed and problems with various methods of data collection were examined. A household interview…

Examines public attitudes toward parental discipline practices, incidences of parental practices, the public's support for and involvement in child abuse prevention efforts, and the public's perceptions of causes of child maltreatment. Found that most persons view physical punishment and repeated yelling and swearing at children as harmful.…