Assessment and treatment of family violence

Recent statistics suggest that violence among family members in the United States is on the increase. Researching family violence, behavioral and social scientists have also seen a tremendous increase. This paper reviews recent research findings in the area of family violence which suggest that abuse among families is most often a product of the learning history of the batterer rather than a product of current marital or family system dysfunction. Social conceptions of the problem are changing, and new legislation in a majority of states now provides services and legal protection for victims. Also, in most cases, psychological treatment for poor anger control is being recommended for abusers in lieu of jail sentences. The author suggests a unique role for the family physician in terms of preventing and detecting family violence. Suggestions for routine assessment are offered and recent treatment techniques are discussed.