Family Violence

Family violence is most broadly defined as violence by and against members of the same family or household. There is extensive evidence of the existence of violence within the family since the earliest beginnings of family life. Historically, this type of violence has not been regarded as criminal or of social concern, but rather as a family matter, neither very [Page 170]serious nor worthy of criminal prosecution. Prior to 1970, the leading academic journal in the area of family studies, Journal of Marriage and Family, did not publish a single article containing the word “violence” in its title. Only in the last few decades have academics, researchers, child and women advocates, legislators, and other concerned members of society begun to open this door and focus ...