Systemic treatment of families who abuse

by Eliana Gil

Eliana Gil addresses both the symptoms and the underlying precipitating issues of child abuse and neglect and offers new ideas for effective treatment. Gil identifies the conditions that are often present when child abuse occurs and outlines the protective factors that can counteract an individual's tendency toward child maltreatment. Without absolving the offender of full responsibility, the author recommends an approach to treatment that involves all family members who may inadvertently contribute to the maintenance of problem behaviors through acts of omission or commission.