Abused and Non-Abused Children's Perceptions of Their Mothers, Fathers and Siblings: Implications for a Comprehensive Family Treatment Plan

Abstract

Utilizing the findings of a research project identifying family perceptions of abused children and their siblings, the author proposes a comprehensive treatment model for abusive families. Because the abuse affects all of the members of an abusive family, it is argued that the entire family system must be assessed and treated. A three-phase comprehensive assessment and treatment model is proposed that includes not only individual, marital, and sibling dynamics, but also family dynamics. This combination of treatment approaches culminates in conjoint family therapy and completes the comprehensive plan for working with abusive families.