Violence Against Women and Children: Mapping the Terrain

Child abuse and sexual and domestic violence are among the most destructive experiences afflicting women and children. Their wide prevalence takes an enormous toll on the lives of individual victims, as well as on the larger society, through innumerable behavioral, health, psychological, and economic consequences. Although many groups, organizations, and government agencies have been established to identify, prevent, and treat such violence, our response to these problems has been piecemeal and not optimally successful.

This two-volume set provides consensus recommendations for researchers, practitioners, advocates, policymakers, and all who seek effective responses to interpersonal violence. Experts describe prevalence rates among various populations, risk factors for perpetration, and vulnerability and protective factors for potential victims. They also document the impact of violence on victims and identify the behavioral and economic consequences of such violence. In the process, they establish commonalities across abuse types and suggest vital next steps for collaborative efforts.