ABSTRACT
This chapter will focus on the process of stopping the abuses rather than on the actual ongoing treatment of the family in which abuse has occurred. While continued intervention is an absolute must for understanding the dynamics of the abuse and for ensuring that abusive behavior does not recur, the initial step of stopping the abuse so that treatment can occur is often quite difficult for all concerned. The main thrust here is on physical and sexual assault. The chapter will describe issues in abuse and present models and tactics for stopping the abuse. Of course, emotional abuse cannot be completely separated from any discussion of physical or sexual abuse; however, it will not be treated in this chapter.
