Family Violence: Legal, Medical, and Social Perspectives

by Harvey Wallace

This book presents a comprehensive introduction to the study of family violence and discusses current controversies in the field from three perspectives–legal, medical, and social. Includes separate chapters on specialized topics such as ritualistic abuse, gay and lesbian abuse, and victims' rights. Only text on the market to provide thorough coverage of stalking, sexual harassment, and sexual violence in the workplace. Anyone looking for a comprehensive introduction to the study of family violence.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Psychology

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Susan Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A full circle book, originally needed to read for Psych, however, this book is an excellent resource for anyone attempting to understand abuse and violence within family, intimate-partner, partner, child, sibling, elder abuse and domestic violence by focusing on psychological, socio-cultural, and socio-economic causes with a focus on law, case studies, same-sex and heterosexual abuse. Excellent book. Opened my eyes to the various levels of violence that lead to abuse. Sadly, most of us experience violence, which begins with yelling and throwing things, as the first level of abuse in a relationship. Disturbing book, but necessary to understand abuse on every level.

[Mindi Beal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fourth edition. Read this in preparation for an upcoming job/career shift. Many of the chapters were exactly what I needed which was an introduction to the basic topics of child abuse and family violence. Of particular helpfulness was the discussion of the role of professionals in this field.

Some parts of the book were repetitious and relied heavily on citing statistics that were either discounted in the next paragraph, did not make sense, or were generally ineffective in furthering an understanding of the subject. Also, and somewhat conversely, some topics felt a bit overgeneralized which may be a commentary about more of what I was in search of versus a fault on the part of the writer.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The seventh edition is a clear and concise handbook for introducing family violence. Well written and full of useful information.