Understanding Abusive Families: An Ecological Approach to Theory and Practice Hardcover - 1997

From the rear cover

A definitive guide to the dynamics of child abuseWritten by two of the country's most renowned authorities on the problems of youth, this classic book provides a thorough understanding of child abuse by tracing its development from infancy through childhood to adolescence. Going to the very heart of the problem, the authors also present a prescription to remedy the vicious cycle of abuse, warning that we must bring about fundamental changes in the basic cultural, social, and economic attitudes that allow children to be physically and psychologically harmed.

From the jacket flap

Since it was first published in 1980, Understanding Abusive Families has been regarded as a classic in the field of child abuse and neglect. Coauthored by James Garbarino--one of the foremost authorities on the topic--this extensively revised edition offers an up-to-date analysis of the factors contributing to abuse and presents effective guidelines for prevention, protection, and rehabilitation.Compelling and compassionate, this book explores why and how families become abusive and offers the wisdom and knowledge needed to understand both the abuser and the victim. Understanding Abusive Families takes a developmental approach--tracing the change in the dynamics of abuse from infancy through childhood to adolescence--and clearly explains the internal and external pressures that contribute to maltreatment. The authors also explore the interdepAndence of individuals, families, and society and provide a much need ecological perspective on abuse.This comprehensive resource offers cutting-edge information on: ** Patterns of incidence and prevalence** The community context of child abuse and the issue of social support** Psychological and sexual maltreatment** Child abuse in foster care and institutional families** Special issues involved in adolescent maltreatmentThe authors caution that to be truly effective, intervention programs must transform the basic cultural, social, and economic attitudes that permit thousands of children to be physically and psychologically harmed