Streamlined and updated throughout with state-of-the-art information, this Third Edition of the authors' bestselling book gives readers an accessible introduction to the methodology, etiology, prevalence, treatment, and prevention of family violence. Research from experts in the fields of psychology, sociology, criminology, and social welfare informs the book's broad coverage of current viewpoints and debates within the field. Organized chronologically, chapters cover child physical, sexual, and emotional abuse; abused and abusive adolescents; courtship violence and date rape; spouse abuse, battered women, and batterers; and elder abuse.

New to the Third Edition

New and expanded coverage of abused and abusive adolescents (Chapter 10 - Abused and Abusive Partners in Understudied Populations) and of marginalized groups (primarily in Chapter 10) helps students see the full range of family abuse.

An increased focus on the neurobiology of child abuse provides new research and current information.

A new two-color design featuring new photos makes the book more open and inviting.

Key Features

Chapter-opening and within-chapter case histories help readers understand the realities of family violence on an emotional level.

Boxed inserts on current controversies encourage critical thinking and lively debate.

Section Summaries divide each chapter in segments so that students can review and easily comprehend key material.

Professional interviews with experts showcase the variety of research interests, philosophies, and training typical of professionals working in the field.

End-of-chapter material includes sections focusing on social policy and practice issues as well chapter summaries, discussion questions, and research activities.

Supplements

A password-protected Instructor Teaching Site includes a test bank, PowerPoint slides, web resources, discussion questions, audio and video clips, student activities, and suggested video resources.

An open-access Student Study Site includes web quizzes, e-flashcards, web resources, activities, discussion questions, case studies, audio and video links, and access to recent relevant full-text articles from SAGE's leading research journals.