While abusive parents appear to be much like non-abusive parents, some characteristics of the most abusive parents can be described. These abusive parents exhibit traits which include: (1) isolation from close family and friends; (2) unrealistic expectations; (3) a childhood marked by abuse, lack of love, and inconsistent caregiving; (4) negative…

This manual is designed as a cross-training program guide for counselors working in the fields of woman abuse and chemical dependency. (A cross-training program is a system for one (or more) agency personnel to train each other in their respective areas of expertise.) Chapter 1 discusses the rationale and goals of a cross-training program; issues…

This report lists a series of recommendations for dealing with the widespread but largely undocumented problem of domestic violence. The efforts of the Task Force were concentrated in the area of mate abuse. Working committees examined prevention methods, legal safeguards and social services. Two subcommittees examined the special problems of…

Data from the first year's operation (August 1, 1977 - July 31, 1978) of the Vernon Transition House, Vernon, British Columbia, Canada indicate that wife battering is a serious problem. Wife battering is not related to age or cultural background, but spans all ages, cultures, and income levels. Use and abuse of alcohol play major roles in family…

This quarterly publication, issued by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), contains articles dealing with family violence and alcohol abuse, children of alcoholic parents, training programs for counselors, and confidentiality of client records. The three articles on alcohol abuse suggest that: (1) there is a clear…

Addresses the issue of incestuous sexual abuse of children, focusing on the definition and prevalence of the problem and associated myths, immediate and longterm consequences and symptoms, and a multidisciplinary approach to prevention and treatment. (JC)

Noting that modern governments have a choice between a deliberate, coherent family policy and one of inconsistency and mischance, this paper presents the family policy of Quebec as a model of a coherent set of measures aimed explicitly at family well-being. This policy, started in the late 1980s, was put into place through the appointment of a…

Although the trauma that children experience in abusive situations differs from the trauma of a disaster, its effects are just as profound. The information and skills that caseworkers need to assess families and children who have been traumatized, to make more appropriate treatment planning decisions, and to carry out their professional roles with…

Describes a number of brief interventions for providing services directly to children, including individual counseling as well as peer, sibling, and family group meetings. Mothers received education regarding parenting skills. A school liaison system was established; the shelter staff members were trained regarding child advocacy. (Author)

Examines U.S. spouse-abuse program directors' survey. Compares programs according to region and urban-rural location. Results show rural programs offer more services, but few programs accepted clients from outside service areas, and few programs used proactive outreach methods. Discusses findings, social-work implications, and further study…

Reports results of a study on the effectiveness of a coordinated community intervention to reduce domestic violence in DuPage County, IL. Logistic regression analysis indicated that arrest significantly deterred subsequent domestic violence incidents over an 18-month follow-up period, especially with those with a previous history of police…

Reports rate of intimate partner homicides (married and unmarried, heterosexual and homosexual) in Chicago from 1965-1993 (2,556 in all). Identifies major trends in intimate homicide over this 29-year period; discusses the people who are most at risk and the riskiest situations. Explores implications for intervention strategies. (LKS)

A study of 123 families examined the role of parental stress in physically abusive and nonabusive families with conduct-disordered children. Parental stress was found to play an important role in abusive families. Physically abusive families were found to have lower incomes, younger mothers with less education, a history of child abuse, and more…

A study involving 99 parents investigated results of a Colorado parenting and anger-management program. Results indicated that participants' anger-control level increased, and family conflict, anger, violence, and verbal aggression decreased. Participants also reported increased knowledge levels, improved attitudes, improved behaviors, and…

A college junior's personal narrative tells how, with the help of a handful of caring adults, he managed to overcome a life of poverty with no parental support. He states that adults can help troubled adolescents by emphasizing their creativity and intellect, not their bad habits or inescapable backgrounds and history. (Author/MKA)