This is a very strong and significant contribution to the whole subject of family violence. It gives history, skills, resources, story and anecdote in ways that force us to confront the tragic implications of family violence in reminding us how this blight touches all families and all age groups.

The book balances history, definitions, theory and methodology with forthright discussion of various abuse experiences so that we can respond both empathetically and effectively.

Areas of special attention are physical child abuse, child sexual abuse, child neglect and psychological maltreatment, children exposed to marital violence, courtship violence, marital violence and elder abuse.
The Rev. Dr. Richard B. Gilbert,
Executive Director, The World Pastoral Care Center