Presentation Abstract

Faculty's Name: Jean Dawson, Ph.D.

Co-registrant Names:

Type of Presentation: Faculty Research Lightning Round

Presentation Title: "Anti-Violence begins at Home"

Abstract:

Males predominate in many forms of violent crime, but data consistently show that mothers are the perpetrators in over half of all cases of child maltreatment in the US each year (National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect, 2021). Recent research has confirmed that there are long-lasting and devastating consequences of child maltreatment for both male and female victims, even from the types of maltreatment that were long assumed to be less severe (Ausburger, Basler and Maeckler 2019). These are types which are disproportionally perpetrated by mothers. The purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which anti-violence policies incorporate the etiology of adult violence in childhood victimization experiences at the hands of mothers and fathers. Although trauma informed and early intervention programs that target families at risk of maltreatment are available, practices that pathologize adolescents or adults with histories of childhood maltreatment are still prevalent. Effectively reducing violent offending and victimization of all types requires creating a culture of non-violence.

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