Family Violence Across the Lifespan - Book Report/Review Example

This is a chapter review of the book ‘Family Violence Across the Lifespan: An Introduction”. It was written by Ola W. Barnett, Cindy L. Miller-Perrin, and Robin D. Perrin. The book was published in 2011 by Sage Publications, Inc. in the United States of America. Chapter One: History and Definitions of Family Violence ‘Family violence’ is defined in this chapter as acts of omission or commission by family members that result in physical, sexual and emotional abuse as well as neglect and other forms of maltreatment that interfere with individuals’ healthy development. The chapter gives real life examples of family violence to make readers understand what it entails. Also discussed is an in-depth background of family violence and how the acts are perpetrated. It talks about how and when family violence came to be considered a social problem and the various interventions that have been put in place to curb the problem over the years. Statistics regarding various types of violence are also discussed. According to the authors, family violence takes place because of social conditions that later develop into social problems. These problems affect people from all age groups including children and the elderly. The authors, however, emphasize the fact that as compared to men, women are the principal victim of family violence although men also suffer. On the other hand, children are most vulnerable. The chapter also discusses the strategies that have been put in place by various bodies to ensure the problem is controlled. This includes reporting and protection strategies. In my opinion, this chapter plays an important role in making the reader understand the historical evolution of family violence and misconceptions regarding the problem. It further helps to understand the impact and the effects of the problem on individual wellbeing as well as on society. Moreover, it clearly explains the role of policies on the prevention of such kind of violence. Chapter Two: Research Methodology, Assessment, and Theories of Family Violence In summary, this second chapter talks about the role of research on family violence and theories that have been employed by different researchers in different fields to explain the problem. Discussed is research from different perspectives such as data collection, analysis, and assessment as well as presentation and interpretation of data to give meaningful information. Also discussed are ethical issues surrounding family violence and how society’s concern regarding the problem has grown in recent years. According to the authors, the study of family violence requires multidisciplinary efforts because the problem is influenced by different kinds of social problems that cannot all be studied under one field. Similarly, no one theory can explain what causes family violence. It requires contributions from different kinds of theories that give detailed information about human behavior. Types of research that help to study family violence include sociological research, criminology research, genetic research and public health research just to name but a few. Theories, on the other hand, include learning theories, individual differences theories, systems theories and multi-dimensional theories among others. The chapter also explains that data on family violence is derived from different sources so as to make information more reliable. This chapter focuses on the growing recognition of family violence as a social problem. It gives a clear step by step analysis of the problem. This helps the reader to understand how family violence develops gradually starting from the cause. It also helps to understand practical issues in the prevention of family violence such as the role of practitioners and the techniques they employ to solve the problem. In general, this chapter is helpful since it acts as a gateway to understanding the chapters that follow. Chapter Three: Child Neglect and Psychological Maltreatment Chapter three gives a comprehensive look at issues of child neglect as a type of family violence. It looks at how the problem takes place and the different factors that cause parents and guardians to neglect their children. The main point of focus is the effect of this form of maltreatment on the psychological wellbeing of a child. Also discussed are the problems that children go through due to exposure to inter-parental violence. This kind of exposure has long-term and short-term effects. The chapter further explains interventions for children who have been exposed to psychological maltreatment. An analysis of this chapter indicates that child neglect is prevalent due to the rising social demands that make it difficult for parents to provide for their children’s needs. The authors explain that psychological maltreatment that befalls a neglected child affects their social life. The effects could extend all the way to adulthood if precautions are not taken. Child neglect and psychological maltreat could also lead to behavioral problems, cognitive disability, poor health and emotional dysfunction. There are different characteristics of maltreated families and children that can be looked out for to detect the problem. In my opinion, this chapter provides sufficient information regarding the topic of discussion. The methodology used to describe the topic satisfactorily explains the causes, effects and preventive measures of child neglect. What is unique about this topic is that neglect goes hand in hand with the other forms of abuse. This characteristic is what has made neglect to be such a challenge to deal with. Chapter Four: Child Physical Abuse This chapter discusses the various factors that relate to punishment and the effects of different forms of physical punishment as a form of child physical abuse. Also discussed are the causes of physical child abuse. They include substance abuse and socio-emotional problems. The effects of physical abuse include physical injuries, cognitive problems, behavioral problems and psychopathological problems. Characteristics of children who have been abused depend on age, race and gender. Child physical abuse is further explained in terms of models. This includes the individual psychopathology model, the difficult child model, and the parent-child interaction model just to name but a few. According to this chapter, statistics indicates that physical abuse in the form of punishment has led to many deaths. As compared to boys, girls are more at risk of physical abuse that brings physical harm but in general boys are at a slightly greater risk of child physical abuse. Moreover, maltreatment declines with a child’s increase in age. In reference to race, research indicates that black African American children have higher chances of being abused as compared to white children. Perpetrators of physical abuse exhibit biological, interpersonal and psychological characteristics. The child physical abuse models enable readers to understand situations and societal conditions that lead to this kind of maltreatment. As indicated by the authors, treatment and prevention of physical abuse require the participation of both the victim and the perpetrator. In my opinion this chapter plays a very significant role is addressing the problem of child punishment. For a long time, most people have been physically abusing children unknowingly. It clearly explains the difference between physical abuse and punishment as two distinctive factors with thin lines between them. However, the chapter does not give a clear explanation of how adult authority should be exercised or used to punish children without inflicting physical harm. Chapter Five: Child Sexual Abuse The chapter revolves around issues relating to child sexual abuse (CSA). The authors acknowledge that there are complexities in defining CSA. There are various factors that are listed by the authors as crucial when it comes to defining CSA. The factors include contact, the intention of the perpetrator, use of power, age differences, type of abuse, clusters of definition, the impact of definitions as well as the cultural context. The difference of definition is seen in the employment sector and application of the law. The author relies on various records from the government to show the prevalence rate of CSA. Useful data on the CSA are obtained from Child Protective Service (CPS), victims report, and from the school counselors. The data plays a significant role in showing this form of abuse is common in the American society. Moreover, the authors highlight characteristic of the CSA abusers. As per the authors, it is not possible to identify the characteristic of abusers as they are just normal people. The data used in this chapter dispels the notion that perpetrators are strangers. In fact, it shows that the real perpetrators are close family members. The data is valuable as it helps in realizing that intervention program to control CSA is better started in the family set up. The case studies highlighted in this chapter have played a significant role in highlight the extent of CSA and the ways in which it can be addressed in the society. The authors have provided valuable information that can help in controlling the challenge in society. After going through the chapter, I have realized that the major problem of CSA stems from the close family members. Chapter six: Abused and Abusive Adolescents The overall theme of this chapter is about adolescents who are abused and those who are involved in the perpetuation of abuse. The authors significantly rely on percentages and data to support the overall theme of this chapter. This gives credibility to the issues discussed in the chapter. In the first part, adolescent maltreatment is shown to be common at the age of 12-15 years. At this age, the percentage of adolescent maltreatment is high with a prevalence rate of over 18 percent. There is also listing of various types of abuse with the most common being medical neglect, neglect, physical abuse, and psychological abuse. On the other hand, the authors demonstrate the problems faced by those that are exposed to abuse. The abused demonstrate behaviors that are negative in the society. The behaviors are described as external as well as internal. Such behavior affects the life of the affected person in a significant way. In demonstrating those challenges, the authors rely on independent and federal government researchers. The authors note that a multifaceted approach is needed in addressing abuse of adolescents they call for implementing programs for different age groups in addressing the challenge. The chapter has helped in highlighting challenges of abuse in adolescents. Moreover, the chapter has helped in shedding light on the percentage of adolescents who are abused in the society. There is also focus on the different abuses that are likely to be faced by adolescents. However, it has failed to note why there is a high prevalence of abuse in the age bracket. Chapter Seven: Dating Aggression, Sexual Assault, and Stalking: Primarily Unmarried, College-Age Individuals The arguments addressed in this chapter are on aggression, sexual assault, and stalking. The three are shown to have a strong linkage and affects significant number of the society. The authors highlight issues relating to dating aggression and shows that it has been on the rise with the increased level of technological growth. At the same time, sexual assault is also shown to be common with the technological advancement. As noted by the authors, there have been various cases of dating aggression and sexual assault documented and seems to affect the victims in a significant way. The prevalence of technology is shown to have led to a new form of stalking known as cyberstalking. This form of stalking is shown to have led to a new form of harassment. The authors also highlight the prevalence rates on stalking in this chapter. The prevalence rate is shown in terms of age of the victims. Moreover, there is a presentation of prevalence data in terms of gender in which females are shown to be significantly affected as the victim. At the same time, stalking is significantly associated with individuals that have had a previous relationship. This chapter has been significant as it has helped highlight how technology has contributed and continued to contribute to the violence that exists in the society. At the same time, it has helped in showing that individuals that have disengaged from a previous relationship are most likely to be a victim of violence emanating from stalking. The only drawback of this chapter is failure to explain various medium of technology that is used in stalking. This could have helped in showing a cross association between this violence and medium of technology. Chapter Eight: Abused Heterosexual Partners, Primarily Women The chapter talks about the challenges that women go through as victims of family violence. Also discussed is how these women are blamed for their misfortunes by different groups of people in the society. This includes professionals, the society, professionals, community leaders, and their partners. As victims of violence, women face various problems such as fear, stress and other health related problems. The chapter also discusses the challenges encountered by women as they seek welfare assistance and coping mechanisms employed by different people. Moreover, the authors talk about the decision-making process that women go through as they try to leave abusive relationships. Men have a tendency of blaming women every time they abuse them. In most cases, society also blames the women rather than the perpetrators. When these women try to find help from professionals, they also receive negative responses. People reason that they would have avoided being victims because they had the chance to walk out of the abusive relationships. In the long run, the women themselves begin to feel responsible for their problems. Such situations usually result in stress and depression. In extreme cases, it leads to suicide. Different women cope differently. The authors emphasize the fact that lack of financial resources due to unemployment is what causes women to be most vulnerable to being abused. In relation to law, it is all about women’s willingness to testify. This chapter is important because it touches on how violence affects people and how it changes them. It also focuses on how laws governing family violence have transformed in recent years. This helps the reader to understand the role of different kinds of laws in modern society and the function they have played so far. Chapter Nine: Abusive Heterosexual Partners, Primarily Men Chapter nine focuses on men as perpetrators of family violence. Discussed are the socio-demographic characteristics of male offenders. They include age, gender, race, income and education. The authors also discuss society’s attitudes towards offenders. They explain that there are various characteristics that make offenders be different from others. For instance they try to minimize the seriousness of their crimes, they are hostile and easily irritable, they are also jealous and they experience marital dissatisfaction. The reason offenders remain to be so included problems of socialization, alcoholism, stress, and personality disorders among others. Socio-demographic characteristics help to explain the variations and patterns in rates of violence. However, they cannot be used to predict which individual has tendencies of becoming a perpetrator. Age, illness, and disability are some of the factors that make victims of sexual abuse most vulnerable. Among all types of abuse, psychological abuse is the most common. On the other hand controlling behavior is most common among male abusers. What stands out from this discussion is the fact that male to female violence is in most instances approved by society. This chapter brings out the distinctive characteristics of male offenders in a holistic manner beginning from personal characteristics as well as social contributors. It helps to understand what makes offenders behave the way they do. To a large extent, it helps the reader to understand the causes of family violence. It also brings to light an important point regarding two types of violent men. The first type being men who are violent towards their partners while the second type comprises of those who are violent but who do not exhibit any violent behavior towards their partners. Most articles do not acknowledge this difference. Chapter Ten Review: Abused and Abusive Partners in Understudied Populations: Cross-Cultural, Immigrant/Ethnic/Racial, Rural, Same-Sex, and Military Groups In summary, this chapter discusses family violence among different populations. This includes populations with ethnic, racial, geographical and cultural differences. It presents prevalent statistics of family violence as grouped by global locations. Immigrants and ethnic as well as racial minorities are also vulnerable to violence. This chapter also talks about same-sex intimate partner violence in terms of prevalence and consequences. Not to forget the discussion about the military and their intimate partners. The prevalence of violence varies from one continent to the other. These differences are influenced by factors such as culture. In the Middle East, for instance, women have a lower status that men. This makes them vulnerable. In Latin America, alcoholism rates are very high among men. This increases the potential of these men becoming abusers. Based on the vulnerability of immigrants, the United States, for instance, has enforced laws that protect this group of people from abuse. The authors have noted that in rural areas the prevalence of violence is higher because of lack of access to services and patriarchy systems. In reference to same-sex partners, many myths surround this type of union, and very few researchers focus on this area. This chapter makes clear the fact that violent behavior has existed throughout history and stretched across the globe. Also brought to light is the view that the problem has become an international human rights issue. This is very important because it enables the reader to understand the seriousness of the problem. People who have not been abused may not be in a position to realize the seriousness of this matter, but this chapter makes it possible. Chapter Eleven Review: Adult Intimate Partner Violence: Practice, Policy, and Prevention This chapter discusses practices, policies and prevention of adult intimate partner violence. This is in regard to both abused and abusive partners. For abused partners, the chapter focuses on issues of social support, psychotherapy and counseling topics for battered women, policies, prevention strategies and research needs. As for abusive partners, the chapter focuses on practice, policies, and prevention. Similar topics are discussed concerning immigrant, ethnic and racial minorities. In general, practice, policy, and integration are all basic requirements for the elimination of family violence. Without them, it becomes very difficult for interventions to be implemented. On practice, the authors give ideas that encourage abusers to complete counseling programs. On policy, they discuss guidelines that require judges to offer protection to abused partners. Finally, prevention has got to do with things that motivate abusive men to agree to counseling sessions. Types of practices implemented by agencies include isolation of abused women, improving shelter services and teaching parenting skills. Women are encouraged to develop goals, to forgive and to leave abusive partners using methods that do not endanger their lives. These three factors touch on the lives of both men and women as both beneficiaries and implementers of human rights. This chapter plays an important role because it integrates different strategies that contribute to the development of treatment programs. It also explains different strategies that can be used to make programs more effective. Moreover, it helps to highlight how injustices are dealt with using tactics such as prosecution, funding and law enforcement. Chapter Twelve Review: Abuse of Elderly and Disabled Persons This is the last chapter of the book. It specifically talks about elderly and disabled persons. The chapter highlights specific instances where elderly and disabled people have been abuse, the prevalence of this type of abuse, consequences and theories that explain the abuse of elderly persons. Similarly, the chapter discusses the challenges encountered by people with disabilities. Just like the elderly, they encounter unique challenges. They are not just abused at home but also in other facilities such as nursing homes. Also discussed are the prevention measures for this type of abuse and laws that govern relates issues. Besides the normal types of abuses such as sexual abuse, elderly people undergo other specific types such as financial abuse, internet pornography, abandonment and scams by strangers. The authors note that professionals react to this kind of abuse differently in terms of those who are responsible and what kind of care should be given. In most cases, elderly related abuses are not reported. The main theories used to explain this kind of abuse are social learning theory and social exchange theory. Medical personnel have played a vital role in assisting such victims although the rate of abuse is still on the rise. What most states are doing to curb the problem is that they are providing shelter for elderly people so that they can be taken care of. Similarly, disabled people are receiving the same treatment. For a long time, most researchers have not been focusing on the topic of elderly people and people with disabilities. Most people in society are ignorant about this type of abuse. However, this chapter goes a long way in addressing this gap and creating awareness concerning this issue. Works Cited Barnett, Ola W, Cindy L Miller-Perrin and Robin D Perrin. “Family Violence Across the Lifespan: An Introduction.” California: SAGE Publications, 2012. Read More