Journal of Family Therapy (1987) g: 381

Editorial-Damned if we do, and damned if we don’t

Some years ago, the International Year of the Child was celebrated. Hopefully, its impact was greater and its effects more positive in the developing world than it appears to have been in the so-called civilized world. 1987 may cynically but accurately be described as the Year of Child Abuse. The category of crimes against children continues and increases-neglect, deprivation, emotional, physical and sexual abuse, Munchausen’s by proxy (fabricated illness) and child murder have all been in the headlines. And with them come the howls of horror, amazement and anguish-followed rapidly by the predictable criticisms of social workers, psychiatrists and now even paediatricians. Our ‘faults’ include asking leading questions, alleging sexual abuse, attempting to balance the conflicting needs of the abused child and secretly videotaping mothers suffocating their children as the only ways of obtaining proof. We are too vigilant and we are not vigilant enough.

The r81e of each professional involved is complex and contentious, and the relationships between these professionals often appear to be chaotic and conflicted. So where does the family therapist fit in, bearing in mind his or her primary r61e as a social worker, psycho- logist, nurse or psychiatrist?

In his article in this issue, Bentovim compares the relative values of systemic and linear models in trying to understand and treat family violence, he discusses the rble and conflicting responsibility of the family therapist and suggests ways of engaging the family, including the alleged perpetrator, whilst at the same time ensuring the protection of the child and fulfilling responsibilities to society. His is an important position paper at a time of concern and confusion.

BRYAN LASK

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0163-4445/87/040381 + 01 $03.00/0 0 1987 The Association for Family Therapy