Handbook of Family Violence

Book excerpt: In the last decade there has been heightened clinical and investigative activity in the area of family violence. This, of course, is partly attributable to recent surveys showing a high incidence of family violence in the United States. For example, there are indications that nearly 30% of married women in this country are victims of physical abuse by spouses at some point in their marriage. Further, FBI statistics show that approximately 13% of all homicides are husband-wife killings. Moreover, it has been projected that such figures are likely to increase over the next several years. Consistent with these trends, funding of family violence research by both federal and private agencies has increased. Indeed, federal agencies, such as the National Institute of Mental Health and the National Institute of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, have provided considerable support for work in this area. In addition, family violence, particu larly wifebattering, child abuse, and sexual abuse of children has been the focus of media attention at the national level, and has generated intensive interest in both lay and profes sional publications. Moreover, there have been several recent governmental hearings and investigations regarding the prevalence of these problems.