Family Violence and Abuse

This chapter addresses the different forms and functions of family abuse and violence. We begin with definitions of different types of family violence, followed by a brief analysis of the prevalence of family violence. The majority of the chapter covers three types of family violence and abuse: physical abuse of children, sexual abuse of children, and violence in the marital subsystem. What are the family dynamics that are conducive to this type of behavior? Why do parents abuse their children? What are the effects of abuse on children? Why do spouses abuse their partners? These are some of the pressing questions that are badly in need of answers. Although scientific knowledge does not allow for definitive answers to each of these questions, currently available research provides a good starting point. Issues with family adaptability and cohesion, conflict, problematic parenting behaviors, boundary violations, and intergenerational transmission appear repeatedly in the research findings on family violence and abuse. This research shows that for virtually all types of family abuse and violence, interactions and relationships in the family system have problems that extend far beyond the abusive behavior itself.