An Explanation of the Association

An Explanation of the Association

Between Abuse as a Child and Domestic Violence

By

Renee Gray

For

CJ 450, Senior Seminar

Dr. Michael Eskey

Park University

October 2009

ABSTRACT

Domestic violence was once seen as a crime only committed against women but over the years it has evolved to include men too. Violence against an intimate partner has rapidly increased over the past couple of decades due to the amount of abused children in a home growing up to be abusers or victims themselves. One abused child out of three will become an adult abuser or victim. Surveys conducted show that children who are abused are more likely to become abusers or victims as adults. Studies will also show the comparison of the surveys to previous studies of domestic violence. A non experimental research that is testing a hypothesis that people that are abused during childhood will become victims or victimizers of domestic violence as adults and help us understand the pattern that continues to repeat itself. Findings from the research revealed that abuse as children increases the likelihood one will be a victim or victimizer of domestic violence as an adult.

APPROVAL

of thesis submitted by

Renee Gray

This thesis has been read by Dr. Michael T. Eskey, Assistant Professor-Criminal Justice, and has been found to be satisfactory regarding content, English usage, format, citations, bibliographical style, and consistency. Successful completion of the thesis is part of Park University’s graduation requirements in order to obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration.

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(Signature) (Date)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 5...