Towards breaking the cycle of intergenerational abuse

Article Abstract:

An intergenerational pattern has long been recognized in which abusive and neglectful behavior within families is perpetuated. Recent studies have examined cases of parents who were abused as children to detect characteristics that may differentiate those who continue the pattern from whose who are able to break it. Factors that seem to be relevant to changing this cycle are the development of an emotionally supportive relationship with an adult during childhood, a supportive relationship with a mate later in life, or undergoing psychotherapy. Interventions formulated to alter this cycle of abuse may prove effective. To illustrate the importance of diagnosing and treating parents who have suffered from abuse, a case history of an adolescent mother is presented. A baseline assessment was performed on a 16-year-old black mother of an infant; the mother was referred because of symptoms of depression and unresponsiveness to her son. An assessment of the infant was also performed; the child tested well above average on mental and motor function tests. At the time of the evaluation, there was evidence that the baby was already being abused to some degree. The patient was poor and uneducated, living in an extended family situation, and was on welfare; she also had a history of physical and sexual abuse, combined with neglect and periods of abandonment. The assessment of the patient determined that she had not yet been able to resolve any of these experiences. However, the patient was intelligent and motivated to receive treatment. Intervention therapy was begun and after 13 months significant progress was made. A better pattern of interaction between the mother and child was evident and the mother showed improved psychosocial functioning. This case demonstrates the importance of a thorough assessment and subsequent intervention treatment to detect pass and prevent future child abuse. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Diagnosis, Crisis intervention (Psychiatry), Crisis intervention (Psychology)

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Abuse and neglect in schools

Article Abstract:

The physical or sexual abuse of children by family members has received a good deal of media attention of late. Less well documented are cases of abuse involving students by teachers and other students. Also, cases of abuse of teachers by students or their parents often go unreported, even though this can be a serious form of abuse with subtle consequences for the students. A number of cases are presented to illustrate the types and causes of various forms of abuse - verbal, physical, sexual - that can be inflicted upon students or teachers. For example, in one case, a female teacher who had reprimanded and later failed a football player who was cheating, was not supported by the school administration and was molested by a gang of the player's friends. The teacher ultimately left the school. Other instances of verbal humiliation, excessive corporal punishment, and sexual abuse of students are described. The consequences of such abuse, as is the case with abuse by parents, frequently involve feelings of inadequacy, guilt, confusion, and hostility toward and mistrust of authority. The long-term repercussions of such behaviors are only recently being examined. Of particular concern is the abuse of physically or mentally handicapped students, who may be the victims of a teacher's rage against his own abusers at an earlier time of life. In any case, such abuse invariably leads to a pattern in which the victim becomes an abuser. Therefore, it is necessary that those in a position of power become aware of the signs of abuse and neglect. These individuals also need to ensure that they can control their own abusive impulses if they arise. Increased awareness of instances of student and teacher abuse will perhaps lead to a situation where much of this behavior is no longer taken for granted or tolerated. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Mentally disabled persons, Psychological child abuse

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Therapeutic management of sexual abuse allegations in custody and visitation disputes

Article Abstract:

Allegations of sexual abuse in custody and visitation cases seem to be sharply increasing, and the handling of such cases is controversial. Traditionally, the courts have relied on the information from the child to determine the truthfulness of the allegations. However, it has been found that engaging families in long-term treatment may provide more accurate information and offer better solutions than the judicial system can, especially in cases where it is difficult to determine whether or not sexual abuse has occurred. A case history is presented which illustrates the possible benefits of family therapy in such situations. A therapeutic alliance can be developed with all persons involved, offering support, and a deeper understanding of the problem than may be otherwise possible. Clients are then more likely to hear and act on recommendations. For this approach to work, therapists in the judicial system must commit to long-term work instead of short-term assessment, and lawyers must be enlisted to cooperate. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Laws, regulations and rules, Family psychotherapy, Family counseling, Custody of children, Child custody, Child sexual abuse, Child sexual abusers, Incest

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