This title examines one of the world's critical issues, domestic violence. Readers will learn the historical background of this issue leading up to its current and future impact on society. What is domestic violence, and the causes of domestic violence such as substance abuse and low self esteem are discussed. Types of domestic violence such as physical, verbal, and digital abuse are examined, as are their affects such as low self esteem and depression. The profile of an abuser as well as the six main phases in the cycle of abuse are examined. Victims of domestic violence such as partner, child, and elder abuse, are highlighted, as are reactions of victims, how to identify domestic violence, and how to make a safety plan. Lasting Effects of domestic violence such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and health consequences are discussed, as is how to help a victim. Legislation and programs intended to end domestic violence such as the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), Start Strong, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Day of Unity are introduced. Engaging text, informative sidebars, and color photographs present information realistically, leaving readers with a thorough, honest interpretation of domestic violence. Features include a timeline, facts, additional resources, Web sites, a glossary, a bibliography, and an index. Essential Issues is a series in Essential Library, an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

Violence, Abuse and Neglect provides a systematic exposition of the national problem of domestic violence and how public and private agencies have dealt with it. Looking at the four major types of domestic violence (child, spouse, adolescent and elder) and placing domestic violence in the context of violence in the larger American society, Utech's book works well in sociology, criminal justice, social work, psychology and healthcare.

In the last decade there has been heightened clinical and investigative activity in the area of family violence. This, of course, is partly attributable to recent surveys showing a high incidence of family violence in the United States. For example, there are indications that nearly 30% of married women in this country are victims of physical abuse by spouses at some point in their marriage. Further, FBI statistics show that approximately 13% of all homicides are husband-wife killings. Moreover, it has been projected that such figures are likely to increase over the next several years. Consistent with these trends, funding of family violence research by both federal and private agencies has increased. Indeed, federal agencies, such as the National Institute of Mental Health and the National Institute of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, have provided considerable support for work in this area. In addition, family violence, particu larly wifebattering, child abuse, and sexual abuse of children has been the focus of media attention at the national level, and has generated intensive interest in both lay and profes sional publications. Moreover, there have been several recent governmental hearings and investigations regarding the prevalence of these problems.