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2nd International Conference

Children Exposed to Family Violence

Assessment, Intervention, Prevention and Research Strategies

JUNE 4 TO JUNE 7, 1997

This conference was held in London, Ontario, Canada in 1997. Selected proceedings of the conference were compiled into a document called Children Exposed to Domestic Violence: Current Issues in Research, Intervention, Prevention, and Policy Development (2000). This page contains the program of the 1997 conference. For information about our latest conference, see the pages about the Third International Conference on Children Exposed to Domestic Violence.

CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS (June 4^th)

Workshop 1: Intervention Strategies in Helping Children Deal with Trauma of Exposure to Violence: The London, Canada Experience

This interactive, hands-on workshop focuses on the goals and objectives of a group program for children who have been exposed to woman abuse. Different models are discussed, including the important themes presented in these models. An evaluation of the model is also presented as well as the techniques used in the group program. Participants receive a copy of the group treatment manual, and the preliminary research is available.

Katie Foote -- Merrymount Children's Centre

Susan Loosley -- Children's Aid Society of London & Middlesex

Larry Marshall -- Children's Aid Society of London & Middlesex

Sandra Miller-Hewitt -- Private practice

Stephanie Rabenstein -- Madame Vanier Children's Services

Marlies Sudermann -- London Family Court Clinic

Workshop 2: Violence Prevention Strategies for Schools: Part 1 -- A.S.A.P.: A School-based Anti-violence Programme; Part 2 - Developing Healthy Relationships for Adolescents

This workshop is divided into two sessions. The first addresses comprehensive strategies for primary prevention of violence in relationships. School-based approaches which have been implemented and evaluated are presented. Educators involved in program development and delivery share their successful approaches. Issues addressed by A.S.A.P. are presented.

The second section deals with an exciting new program that involves an 18 lesson plan for engaging adolescents in developing positive attitudes and coping skills for healthy relationships. Critical issues in program development, implementation and evaluation are addressed.

Cathy Hird -- London & Middlesex County Roman Catholic School Board

Ray Hughes -- Middlesex County Board of Education

Jayne McCullough -- Middlesex County Board of Education

Anne McLean -- London Board of Education

Marlies Sudermann -- London Family Court Clinic

Bill Tucker -- London Board of Education

David Wolfe -- University of Western Ontario

Workshop 3: Custody Disputes Involving Domestic Violence: Current Clinical and Legal Issues

This workshop outlines recent clinical research and legal cases that address the issue of child custody disputes and domestic violence. Current trends in new legislation and the model code of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges are presented. To demonstrate the value of expert testimony, a mock trial is conducted on a case involving allegations of abuse and counter allegations of "parent alienation syndrome." Includes practical suggestions for dealing with these cases.

Nick Bala -- Queen's University

The Honourable Mr. Justice Grant Campbell -- Family Court Branch, Ontario Court (General Division)

Ruth Busch -- University of Waikato

Robert Geffner -- Family Violence & Sexual Assault Institute

Peter G. Jaffe -- London Family Court Clinic

Grace Kerr -- Lerner & Associates

Nancy Lemon -- University of California

Alfred A. Mamo -- Alfred A. Mamo & Associates

Workshop 4: The Last Decade: Issues for Children Testifying in the Criminal Justice System

This workshop focuses on clinical and legal issues pertaining to children testifying in the criminal justice system. The presentation represents clinical, research and legal perspectives. Topics include long-term impact of the criminal justice system, assessment and preparation of children who testify, expert testimony, recent case law, multi-victim/multi-offender cases, legislation, evidence, and forensic implications of children's disclosure.

Wendy Ball -- University of Waikato, NZ

Karen Bellehumeur -- Crown Attorney's Office

Brian Crockett -- Crown Attorney's Office

Brad Duncan -- London Police

Brad Carrothers -- London Police

Rhonda Hallberg -- Children's Aid Society of London & Middlesex

Pamela Hurley -- London Family Court Clinic

The Honourable Madam Justice L.C. Leitch -- Ontario Court (General Division)

Maureen Reid -- Children's Aid Society of London & Middlesex

Louise Sas -- London Family Court Clinic

CONFERENCE OPENING & PUBLIC FORUM

Keynote Panel:

Growing Up in a Violent Culture: How Parents, Teachers, and Community Services can Promote Zero Tolerance for Violence

Murray Straus -- University of New Hampshire

Priscilla de Villiers -- Canadians Against Violence Everywhere Advocating Its Termination

Maude Barlow -- Council of Canadians

Larry Marshall -- Children's Aid Society of London & Middlesex [Chair]

Keynote Panel:

Assessing the Impact of Exposure to Violence on Children: Risk and Protective Factors in Children, Families and Communities

Sandra A. Graham-Bermann -- University of Michigan

Patricia Kerig -- Simon Fraser University

John Fantuzzo -- University of Pennsylvania

Robbie Rossman -- University of Denver [Chair]

1. CHILDREN EXPOSED TO MARITAL CONFLICT AND VIOLENCE: CONCEPTUAL, THEORETICAL AND PRACTICE DIRECTIONS (Chair/Discussant: Mark Cummings)

Children Exposed to Marital Conflict and Violence: Implications of an Emotional Security Hypothesis to Theory and Practice

An examination of emotional security as a comprehensive model for emotional, social and cognitive response patterns affected by exposure to marital conflict and violence.

Mark Cummings -- University of Notre Dame

Implications Of the Cognitive-contextual Framework For Research And Intervention With Children Exposed To Interparental Violence

The cognitive-contextual framework proposes that how children appraise interparental violence mediates their emotional and behavioural responses and identifies avenues for intervening with children from violent homes.

John H. Grych -- Marquette University

Children Of Alcoholics: Does Interparental Aggression Mediate Their Adjustment?

Parental marital conflict and violence will be examined as mediator of the emotional impact of children of alcoholics. The development of expectancies that associate alcohol and violence in children will be addressed.

Mona El-Sheikh -- Auburn University

2. ASSESSING FOR FAMILY VIOLENCE IN FAMILY THERAPY (Chair: Stephanie Rabenstein; Discussant: Einat Peled)

Questions about family violence need to be an integral part of the assessment with each family who requests family therapy for a child focussed issue. A feminist-informed, family systems perspective creates a framework for who and how clinicians should ask about the presence of abuse in the family. The structure of the interview, the types of questions, various tools and techniques used in this assessment will be discussed.

Stephanie Rabenstein -- Madame Vanier Children's Services

Peter Lehmann -- University of Texas at Arlington

Einat Peled -- Tel Aviv University

3. CHILDREN EXPOSED TO FAMILY VIOLENCE AND DIVORCE ISSUES (Chair: Peter Jaffe; Discussant: Nancy Lemon)

Witnesses to Pawns: Post-Separation Experiences of Child Witnesses of Woman Abuse

This paper focuses on post-separation dynamics between abusive ex-partners and their children, the effects on children and mothers, and clinical intervention strategies.

Jane Vock -- Family Services of Hamilton/Wentworth

Spousal Abuse and Children of Divorce: A Differentiated Approach

Examines Canadian case law in the context of research on the forms, nature and effects of spousal abuse to argue for appropriate, differentiated responses in child-related court proceedings.

Nicholas Bala -- Queen's University

Domestic Violence and Child Contact Arrangements in England and Denmark

Findings from an ethnographic research study of domestic violence and child contact arrangements in England and Denmark, focussing on women's safety and child welfare issues.

Lorraine Radford -- Roehampton Institute, ENGLAND

4. THE DYNAMICS OF GENDER AND ETHNICITY IN SOUTH ASIAN CHILDREN'S EXPERIENCE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: IMPLICATIONS FOR CULTURAL SENSITIVITY (Chair/Discussant: George Phills)

An exploratory study which seeks to extend the discourse on children's experiences of domestic violence to include children of South Asian (Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi) decent to examine how 'race,' gender and ethnicity intersect in multiple ways to influence choices and help-seeking strategies. A more general discussion of cultural factors and child witnesses will follow.

Umme Imam -- University of Durham, ENGLAND

Audrey Mullender -- University of Warwick, ENGLAND

5. CHILD WELFARE RESPONSE TO WOMAN ABUSE: ISSUES AND CONTROVERSIES (Chair/Discussant: Larry Marshall)

In woman abuse situations the needs of the woman and the child(ren) are linked but not always the same. How can we protect children who witness woman abuse without revictimizing the woman? Carole and Bina will discuss these issues and the controversies when child protection services intervene in cases of woman abuse.

Carole Echlin -- Children's Aid Society of London & Middlesex

Bina Osthoff -- Battered Women's Advocacy Centre

6. PARENTING ABILITY OF BATTERED WOMEN AND BATTERERS: RESEARCH AND INTERVENTION (Chair/Discussant: George Holden)

Parenting in Battered Women: Theoretical Considerations and Research Findings

Current research findings and theoretical perspectives on the effects of domestic violence on parenting will be integrated and implications for intervention will be discussed.

Alytia A. Levendosky -- Michigan State University

Batterer's Reports of How They Rear Their Children

One hundred batterers reported on their child-rearing practices as well as abusive behaviour. For a subsample of the men, the validity of their reports were compared with reports from former partners.

Maria-Jose Angelolli & George W. Holden -- University of Texas at Austin

Empowering Battered Women who are Mothers: Description of a Program Providing Parenting Support

This presentation describes a 10-week parenting support program designed to empower battered women who are mothers. Components of the program include communication skills, empathy, parenting expectations, and stress management.

Sandra A. Graham-Bermann -- University of Michigan

7. PSYCHOLOGICAL SEQUELAE OF WITNESSING AND EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (Chair/Discussant: Laura McCloskey)

The papers on this panel describe findings from a research study on the mental health of six to twelve year old children of battered women. The overall mental health and coping responses of children of battered women are analyzed. More focussed investigations of post-traumatic stress disorder in children and their mothers, and the psychological impact of sexual abuse will also be presented.

Laura McCloskey, Jennifer Bailey, Kelly Stanmore & Marla Walker -- University of Arizona

8. SPECIAL ISSUES FOR ABORIGINAL CHILDREN EXPOSED TO FAMILY VIOLENCE (Chair/Discussant: Claudette Dumont-Smith)

Using the Medicine Wheel as a Tool for Assessment and Intervention with Families whose Children have Witnessed Violence

Wahbung Abinoonjiiag will present a culturally appropriate approach to assessment and intervention when working with children and their families who have experienced family violence. This model is based on the teachings of the Medicine Wheel.

Patti Sutherland & Elizabeth Brass -- Wahbung Abinoonjiiag

A Holistic Model of Working with Aboriginal Child Victims

A holistic model of working with Aboriginal women and children who have experienced multiple forms of victimization. The discussion will focus on utilizing culturally-appropriate methods in working with women who have been abused.

Lucille Bruce -- Native Women's Transition Centre

Claudette Dumont-Smith -- Canadian Panel on Violence Against Women

9. FAMILY PRESERVATION: ISSUES AND CONTROVERSIES (Chair: Bob Geffner; Discussant: Murray Straus)

There are a number of important problems with both the traditional and newer "intensive" family preservation programs. First, the policy and the programs are based on an inadequate understanding of the causes of abuse and neglect and the process and amenability to change of caretakers who maltreat their children. Second, although intensive family preservation programs have been (and continue to be) touted as effective, cost-effective and able to balance child safety with the goal of family preservation, rigorous empirical research has not yet supported any of these claims of effectiveness.

Richard Gelles -- University of Rhode Island

Maureen Reid -- Children's Aid Society of London & Middlesex

10. GROWING UP AMID FAMILY VIOLENCE AND WAR (Chair/Discussant: Helene Berman)

Growing up Amid Violence: A Narrative Study of Children of War and Children of Battered Women

This session will focus on the experiences of two groups of children who have grown up amid different, yet similar, kinds of violence. Findings from a narrative study with children of war and children of battered women will be presented. Emphasis will be on how both groups "make sense" of their experiences, and how social, political, and cultural constructions of violence shape the way in which violence is experienced and understood by these two groups. A film "War Is Not a Game" will be shown. Discussion of the film will be facilitated by a child specialist at the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture.

Helene Berman -- University of Western Ontario

Branka Agic -- Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture

11. MARITAL AGGRESSION AND EFFECTS ON CHILDREN (Chair/Discussant: Robbie Rossman)

Children's Exposure to Interparental Aggression: Contemporaneous and Delayed Effects

A community sample of 181 two-parent families is used to examine the relative importance of current exposure as compared with prior exposure, immediate and delayed effects, and how parent-child relationship influences children's adjustment.

Gayla Margolin & Richard S. John -- University of Southern California

Relations Among Marital Aggression, Marital and Family Interaction, and Children's Internalizing and Externalizing Behaviour Problems

An examination of the relations among physical marital aggression, observed marital conflict, observed family conflict, and children's behaviour problems among 90 families with children aged 9-13 years.

Elana B. Gordis (Leslie Morland, Holly J. Garcia, Anna-Marie Medina, Richard S. John) -- University of Southern California

An Investigation of the Effect of Exposure to Parental Violence

An examination of the extent of children exposed to parental, physical violence and verbal aggression in American families and the effects of this exposure.

Amy Silverman -- University of Rhode Island

12. CHANGING THE FACE OF CUSTODY AND ACCESS ASSESSMENTS: CLIMATE, PROCESS, CASE SELECTION AND CONTENT (Chair/Discussant: John Leverette)

A Climate for Change

Recent legal developments in Ontario emphasize mediation and settlement in custody matters. Clinicians are consequently reevaluating the conduct and nature of custody and access assessments as currently practised and proposing alternative methodologies.

John Leverette -- Kingston General Hospital

New Initiatives in Process I: The Clinical Settlement Conference Brief (CSCB)

The CSCB combines clinical custody assessment with the work of legal representatives and the courts, providing opportunities for conciliation of disputes or, when necessary, expert opinion at trial.

Trish Crowe & Rose Wenglensky -- Kingston General Hospital

New Initiatives in Process II: The Judicial Assistance Brief (JAB)

In cases where no settlement appears likely, the judge refers the parties for a time-limited clinical process identifying a specific concern for a short-term evaluation. Rather than detailed recommendations, the JAB contains possible plans for resolution which can be discussed at a pretrial settlement conference.

Nadia Mazaheri -- London Family Court Clinic

Case Selection as a Guide to Different Intervention for Access-Based Disputes

This paper addresses the preliminary findings from two court-related clinical services in Toronto, Ontario, which deal with custody and/or access disputes.

Helen Radovanovic -- Clarke Institute of Psychiatry

Rachel Birnbaum -- Office of the Children's Lawyer

New Considerations in Content Criteria

Proposes alternatives to the content of assessments which at present are tied to the construct of parenting capacity.

Eric Hood & Ameeta Sagar -- Clarke Institute of Psychiatry

Panel Discussants:

Gary Austin -- London Family Court Clinic

The Honourable Mr. Justice Grant Campbell -- Ontario Court (General Division), Family Court Branch

The Honourable Madam Justice Mary Dunbar -- Ontario Court (General Division), Family Court Branch

Keynote Panel:

International Trends in Community Responses to Children Exposed to Domestic Violence: Awareness, Policy, and Program Development

Claudette Dumont-Smith -- Canadian Panel on Violence Against Women

Einat Peled -- Tel Aviv University

Audrey Mullender -- University of Warwick

Richard Gelles -- University of Rhode Island

Nancy Miller -- Madame Vanier Children's Services [Chair]

Keynote Panel:

Intervention Strategies for Children Exposed to Family Violence: Key Issues in Advocacy and Program Development

Jeffrey L. Edleson -- University of Minnesota

Honore Hughes -- St. Louis University

Ernest N. Jouriles -- University of Houston

Peter G. Jaffe -- London Family Court Clinic [Chair]

13. FOCUS ON CHILDREN: AN INTERVENTION PROGRAM, AFTERCARE, AND THE FUTURE (Chair/Discussant: Marjorie Carlson)

Focus on Children is a comprehensive domestic violence intervention program developed through agency collaboration allowing the use of skilled clinical staff to develop therapeutic long-term groups to restructure the family system for healthier interactions. The presentation will include a discussion and program development, after-care and future planning.

Terri McGuire, Cindy Severinsen, Kathleen Hailbach, & Marjorie Carlson -- Family Services Association of Greater Tampa

14. SAFETY FIRST: A COMMUNITY-BASED INTERVENTION FOR CHILDREN EXPOSED TO FAMILY VIOLENCE (Chair/Discussant: Ralph Brown)

This symposium presents an intervention and evaluation of Safety First, a group program for children exposed to family violence. Collaboration among participating community agencies and consumers is central to the program's success.

Multi-Sectoral Collaboration and Participation of Consumers

Martha McLaughlin -- Association of Agencies for Treatment and Development

An Integrative Model for Community-based Intervention

Ruth Pickering -- McMaster University

Anne Misener -- Child Witnessing Advisory Committee

Evaluation of a Community-based Group Program for Children Exposed to Family Violence

Ralph A. Brown -- McMaster University

15. PROGRAMS FOR ABUSIVE MEN AND THEIR ROLE IN IMPACTING CHILDREN (Chair/Discussant: Janet Wagar)

This symposium will address: how adult male abuse of their partners impacts children who witness or experience these situations; positive improvements on adult male relationships with their children upon completing a men's psycho-educational treatment program; and the changes effected on men by their participation in parenting programs for men only. Three components of the symposium include: intervening (affecting) children of family violence; how children benefit from treatment for abusive men: and, parenting program for men who abuse.

Janet Wagar, Samuel E. Blakely, & Jean Dunbar -- YWCA, Sheriff King Family Support Centre

16. PROTECTION AND EMPOWERMENT: A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY DECISION-MAKING MODEL (Chair/Discussant: Douglas Knowlton)

This presentation will provide a multidisciplinary model for decision making when issues related to both domestic violence and child protection are present. The model incorporates sensitivity to a domestic violence victim's needs for safety and empowerment and children's needs for protection and security. The presenters represent the disciplines of law, social work, and psychology.

Douglas Knowlton & Tara Lea Muhlhauser -- University of North Dakota

17. TREATMENT MODELS FOR CHILDREN EXPOSED TO FAMILY VIOLENCE (Chair/Discussant: Honore Hughes)

Treating Children Exposed to Violence

A clinical intervention program will be described for children with a range of problems (including PTSD) using a combination of cognitive behavioural/family-based interventions aimed at "repairing damaged narratives" in the lives of children exposed to family violence.

Dermot Hurley -- University of Western Ontario

Play-Based Family Therapy: A Treatment Model For Preschoolers Who Have Witnessed Women Abuse

Using a case study, this paper serves to examine a treatment approach with preschool aged children that addresses the developmental, traumatic, and attachment issues affected by their witness to violence.

Rita Van Meyel -- Madame Vanier Children's Services

Crisis Intervention for Child Witnesses of Domestic Abuse: A Model for Psychological Consultation

Crisis intervention for child witnesses of domestic abuse is a short-term strategy combining cognitive-behavioural techniques and critical incident stress management concepts. It helps prevent chronic PTSD from developing in child witnesses of domestic violence.

Eva L. Feindler & Richard E. Ovens -- Long Island University

18. GROUP WORK WITH CHILDREN EXPOSED TO FAMILY VIOLENCE (Chair/Discussant: Ernest Jouriles)

A Discussion of the Model of Concurrent Groups for Child Witnesses of Woman Abuse and for their Mothers

A discussion of a concurrent group model which facilitates the development of a b partnership relationship with mothers, thus promoting change on many levels within the family.

Sandy Milne & Merlie Kemp -- Family Service Centre

Violence Prevention: A Model for Discussing Violence with Children Aged 4 - 8 years.

A specific group outline including session goals, presentation content, activities and resources. Parental feedback and an anecdotal summary of post experiences will be presented.

Judy Jones -- Madame Vanier Children's Services

Hands are Not for Hurting: A Three Part Intervention/ Prevention Project on the Effects of Intimate Partner Abuse on Children

An integrated response to child witnesses of domestic violence that includes schools, domestic violence programs, and child welfare.

Janet L. Scott -- Women's Center & Shelter

Rhonda Fleming -- University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work

19. INNOVATIVE SCHOOL-BASED VIOLENCE PREVENTION PROGRAMS (Chair: George Holden; Discussant: Katia Peterson)

This workshop will outline two innovative approaches to violence prevention including: a system-wide approach (A School-Based Anti-Violence Program), and a drama and peer group approach for high school students.

Marlies Sudermann -- London Family Court Clinic

Jayne McCullough -- Middlesex County Board of Education

20. INNOVATIONS IN COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR PROGRAMS FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS (Chair: David Tonge; Discussant: Mary-Ann Kirvan)

Group Therapy Treatment for Parents of Treatment Refusing Conduct Disorder Youth

A description of group therapy with motivated parents of treatment refusing conduct disordered youth, including an introduction of the history of parent groups, the theoretical basis for the programme, demographic aspects, treatment and costs. Results of a follow-up survey with parents are presented.

Harvey Armb -- University of Toronto

From Getting Tough to Getting Serious: Examining Alternative Sentencing in Youth Justice

This presentation will focus on evidence which supports the use of community-based alternatives to custody for managing moderate and high-risk offenders. The multisystemic therapy approach will be highlighted as part of a review of recent advances in some Ontario communities.

Alan Leschied -- London Family Court Clinic

Cognitive-Behavioural Expressive Therapy Group: Prevention and Intervention with Violent Adolescents

This presentation will describe a long-term cognitive behavioural/expressive therapy group for violently aggressive adolescents in long-term residential treatment.

Laura Sulkowski -- The Woodlands Family Institute

Tammy McCracken -- Behavioral Training and Research

21. ASSESSMENT AND INTERVENTION OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS AFFECTED BY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (Chair/Discussant: Gayla Margolin)

Issues and Dilemmas Regarding Diagnosis and Misdiagnosis of Child Witnesses of Domestic Violence

Child witnesses of domestic violence can exhibit a variety of symptoms which may be misdiagnosed or overlooked completely. The panellist will discuss various disorders such as AD/HD, PTSD, and depression. Current research will be presented, along with observations and outcomes from clinical experiences.

Shannon Schmidt -- Domestic Abuse Project, Inc.

Coping Strategies of School-age Boys who Witness Abuse of their Mothers

Two coping patterns emerge from responses of 30 school-age boys who witnessed abuse of their mothers and 30 controls to videotaped vignettes of couple conflicts.

Carolie Coates & Sharry Erzinger -- University of Colorado Health Sciences Ctr.

From Silence to Whispers to Words: A Group Intervention Program for Children who Experience Conjugal Violence

Using creative activities, children are helped to process their experience and deal with underlying issues such as expression of feelings, safety, self-esteem, conflict resolution. Highlights of the research project on the impact of the group intervention on the children will be presented.

Hoda Choueri -- Batshaw Youth and Family Centres

22. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INTERVENTIONS FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE CONTEXT OF HEALTH CARE AND CHILD PROTECTION

CANCELLED

23. GROUP WORK WITH ADOLESCENT CHILDREN OF BATTERED WOMEN (Chair/Discussant: David Wolfe)

Breaking the Chain: Group work with Adolescent Male Children of Battered Women

This presentation will examine the impact of witnessing domestic violence on male adolescent children and provide current strategies for addressing the needs of this population.

Brenda Hartman & Kathleen Malloy -- Wright State University

SUCCESS: A Teen Relationship Violence Prevention Program

SUCCESS is a program for teens to promote awareness, understanding and prevention of relationship violence. It focuses on helping teens understand and change their relationship behaviours. SUCCESS was piloted at the San Diego Juvenile Hall and local high schools.

Michelle Koonin & Randi Devine -- Institute for Counseling

24. WOMAN ABUSE AND CHILD PROTECTION: ASSESSMENT & RESEARCH ISSUES (Chair/Discussant: Jeffrey Edleson)

Understanding the Link Between Child Maltreatment and Woman Battering

This paper presents the findings of a study which examined the risk factors associated with the overlap of child maltreatment and woman battering, and the social service system response to families with both types of violence

Sandra K. Beeman -- University of Minnesota

Protection Update: Aligning With Battered Women to Protect Mother and Child

This paper will address the emerging conflict between the Protective Child Welfare Worker and the battered woman and her children.

Colleen Friend -- UCLA School of Public Policy & Social Research

Eligibility Determination in Child Protection Services: The Intervention Spectrum

Grounded in provincial child protection legislation, the Intervention Spectrum is a practical eligibility tool to assist front-line professionals in identifying at risk children.

Robert MacFadden & Deborah Goodman -- University of Toronto

25. DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE CHILDREN'S POLICIES, PROTOCOLS, AND PROGRAMS IN SHELTERS FOR ABUSED WOMEN (Chair/Discussant: Jan Richardson)

This workshop will outline four distinct models of service delivery to child witnesses of woman abuse residing in shelters. Panel members will offer their experiences from native, rural and urban communities in Canada and the United States.

Jan Richardson -- Women's Community House

Robin Clark -- Shelter Home of Caldwell County

Margaret Thomas -- Ganohkwasra Family Assault Support Services

Mar Craig & Sandra Greschuk -- Regina Transition House

26. FORENSIC ISSUES INVOLVING BATTERERS, BATTERED WOMEN, AND CHILDREN EXPOSED TO FAMILY VIOLENCE: "THE ABUSE EXCUSE" (Chair/Discussant: Peter Jaffe)

Many court-related clinical services and individual mental health professionals have been requested to testify about the impact of abuse in a variety of areas such as child custody and self-defense for abused women and children who kill batterers. Such testimony is seen as suspect by the public and front-line professionals because it pathologizes normal reactions to trauma or offers an "excuse" for violent behaviour. These issues and case examples will be discussed.

Dun Dutton -- University of British Columbia

Robert Geffner -- Family Violence & Sexual Assault Institute

27. COMMUNITY-BASED INTERVENTIONS AND THE PREVENTION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: AN INTERACTIVE SYMPOSIUM (Chair/Discussant: Richard Walsh Bowers)

Presenters from the Community Education Team for Prevention of Violence Against Women will describe the content, process, and evaluation of wellness and drama initiatives developed for the Ministry of Education and Training to address violence against women in Ontario, including the "Train the Trainer" program.

Holt Sivak, Patricia Bidgood, Kathleen Meadows, Tammie Brunk, Judy Gould, Wendy Telford & Richard Walsh-Bowers -- Wilfrid Laurier University

28. THE PREVENTION PROJECT: VICTORIA COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION (Chair/Discussant: Niki Worton)

These presenters will describe this holistic, community-based initiative designed to interrupt the inter-generational cycle of violence. Topics to be addressed are the project's origins, structure, objectives and activities, as well as the results of an evaluation and the importance of the identification process.

Laurie Davis -- Victoria County Board of Education

Susan J. Snelling -- Trent University

Laraine Hale & Niki Worton -- Victoria County Board of Education

29. BULLYING & HARASSMENT IN SCHOOLS: CRITICAL ISSUES IN PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT (Chair: Joe O'Connor; Discussant: Kent Clark)

Multidimensional Role of the Principal: Student Sexual Harassment and the Law

Discussion of the role of the principal and potential conflicts that exist when confronted with the problem of student sexual harassment. Suggests some recommendations and strategies that principals might incorporate when considering proactive measures for preventing student sexual harassment.

Martha E. Dutrizac -- London & Middlesex Roman Catholic School Board

Addressing Bullying by Girls in the School System

Most violence prevention programs assume that the vast majority of perpetrators are boys. Recent developments suggest that girls have unique problems of aggression that include bullying behaviour. Program and evaluation strategies, including school yard observations, will be discussed.

Debra Pepler -- York University

The Peer Power Centre Five-stage Peer Mediation Model

The five-stage peer mediation model will be presented, with specific focus on how this model can be used as a tool to deal with and minimize incidents of bullying and harassment within secondary school environments.

Shirley A. Porter -- The Peer Power Centre

30. THE LINKS BETWEEN EXPOSURE TO VIOLENCE AND PTSD: CURRENT RESEARCH AND CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS

(Chair: John Fantuzzo; Discussant: Peter Lehmann)

How We See Post-trauma Response in Children Exposed to Parental Violence

Evidence will be presented showing that children exposed to parental violence have higher levels of post-traumatic symptoms. The forms of this response will also be considered as well as their possible diagnostic confusion with other psychiatric diagnoses.

Robbie Rossman -- University of Denver

Clinical Issues In Assessment And Intervention With PTSD In Children Exposed To Family Violence

Clinical implications of research regarding PTSD in children exposed to violence will be discussed, focusing on strategies for increasing sensitivity to PTSD-related symptoms in assessment and intervention.

Pat Kerig -- Simon Fraser University

31. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING BEHAVIOURS AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION PROGRAMS (Chair/Discussant: Marlies Sudermann)

Exploring the Links Between Abuse in Adolescents' Heterosexual Relationships and Abuse in the Family

This paper presents the findings of a New Zealand study using focus groups and surveys to collect qualitative and quantitative data from 435 high school students.

Sue Jackson -- University of Auckland

Violence Prevention Education for High School Students: The Importance of Theory and Research

This paper will reconsider the emphasis on attitudes and awareness in violence prevention education, with new data from 3000 high school students.

Zoe Hilton -- Mental Health Centre

An Outcome Evaluation of a State-Wide Dating Violence Prevention Program

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a school-based prevention program in changing adolescents knowledge, attitudes and intended behaviours relevant to future involvement in dating violence.

Jay G. Silverman -- University of Georgia

32. WHEN BOYS EXPOSED TO VIOLENCE TURN INTO BATTERERS: EFFECTIVE INTERVENTION (Chair/Discussant: Peter Jaffe)

When Boys Exposed To Violence Turn Into Batterers: A Retrospective Look

A sample of 160 men in treatment for wife assault and 40 control men was examined to determine: 1) what personality features were most associated with intimate abusiveness; and 2) what developmental experiences were most associated with the formation of an "abusive personality."

Don Dutton -- University of British Columbia

Neurobiological and Family of Origin Factors in Batterers

This presentation addresses several key influences that are rarely considered in the domestic violence literature -- neurobiology of violence and the role of family of origin. Research will be reviewed from such areas as animal aggression, neurochemistry, electrophysiology, and genetics. The relationship to violence of serotonin, monoamine oxidase, insulin, hormones, and a variety of neurotransmitters will be discussed.

Wanda K. Mohr -- University of Pennsylvania

Childhood Issues in Batterer Groups

This presentation will focus on practice-based experiences and strategies in group counselling with abusive men. Thematic commonalities and intervention themes related to men's issues in group will be discussed. The analysis of causation within individuals based on childhood experiences has both uses and limitations in the practice of group intervention with abusive men.

Jean Bernard -- Changing Ways

33. CRIME PREVENTION: SCHOOL-BASED INITIATIVES (Chair/Discussant: Linda Baker)

A social development approach to preventing crime and victimization will be presented. The focus will be on reducing risk and increasing protective factors in children aged six to 12. Strategies for developing partnerships between family, school and community will be highlighted and specific programs profiled.

Linda Baker -- London Family Court Clinic

Betty Dean -- McDougall School

Tony Sweet -- Ron Brent Elementary School

CLOSING PLENARY & DISCUSSION

Critical Issues in the Development of Violence Prevention Strategies

Pat Kincaid -- Kincaid & Associates

Debra Pepler -- York University

Katia Peterson -- Argo and Associates Inc.

David Wolfe -- University of Western Ontario

Robert Geffner -- Family Violence & Sexual Assault Institute [Chair]