ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews evidence on the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of three major forms of domestic violence: child abuse, partner abuse, and elder abuse. It provides an overview of the current state of knowledge on the manifestation, the causes and the consequences of domestic violence. The chapter focuses on psychological issues, for example, legal contributions, medical issues, and social services issues. It looks at the problem of child abuse, which includes physical and sexual abuse as well as psychological maltreatment. The chapter discusses physical aggression occurring between spouses, focuses on aggression in heterosexual partnerships, and considers the problem of violence in gay and lesbian relationships. It presents evidence that addressing the scope of different forms of domestic violence, including an examination of variables associated with an increased risk of domestic violence and the effects of each form of domestic violence on the victims.
