Competing research results have led to bitter debates on family violence. In this comprehensive volume, outstanding researchers and practitioners discuss the principle current controversies in the field. Areas explored include: child abuse and neglect, partner abuse, date and acquaintance rape, abuse of the elderly, and alcohol abuse. The thoughtful, often heated, contributions - presented in a debate format - cover such issues as: whether prevention programs affect rates of child sexual abuse, whether alcohol and drug use are causes of family violence, and whether child abuse is transmitted from generation to generation. The volume highlights the implications for research and policy directions in the family violence field.