Family Violence

Violence against women and children used to be an acceptable part of life. Actions like beating and hitting were allowed by laws that everyone followed to enforce discipline within their families. ƒæ Stubborn children laws made it legal for the male head of the household to beat the child to death if he thought they were out of hand. ƒæ A husband had freedom to pull his wife¡¦s hair, choke her, spit in her face, kick …

…violence have combined many ideas and approaches. ƒæ When a spouse is battered, the criminal justice system moves in to try to protect her. ƒæ When a child is abused, social workers attempt to stop further abuse. ƒæ This protection isn¡¦t available until after a person has been hurt. By providing preventative programs to families identified as high risk for violence today, the next generation of intimate partners and parents may be able to live violence free.