Introduction: Examining Family and Relationship Violence in U.S. Society

Abstract

This introductory chapter outlines the topics covered in this book. To set the stage for the discussion of various forms of violence in the family such as intimate partner violence (IPV) and child maltreatment, as well as sibling violence, and aggression directed toward pets and older adults in the family, this chapter examines data on violent crime in the United States. The National Crime Victimization Survey administered by the U.S. Department of Justice is a major source of information. Violent crime has generally decreased since the 1990s in the U.S. as well as in other countries. Possible reasons for this are discussed. In spite of these empirical data, the public is generally more fearful about crime and often express surprise about the dropping crime rates. These fears are believed to arise from greater media attention being given to crime victims. Attitudes are changing as well as behavior. We first examine views about the acceptability of IPV. Along with the feminist activity of the late twentieth century, there has been more attention given to IPV. Increasingly, violence toward an intimate partner is viewed as unacceptable behavior, especially for men who are violent toward a female partner. Even greater changes can be seen in the acceptability of violent parental behavior toward children. Although some still believe that spanking is a necessary form of child discipline, attitudes of professionals who work with children as well as the general public show increasing disapproval. Issues relating to the measurement of family violence are briefly discussed.