Terrorism Redefined: Exclusive Family Circle/Lifetime Television Survey Finds 89% of Adults Consider Family Violence a Form of Domestic Terrorism

Terrorism Redefined: Exclusive Family Circle/Lifetime Television Survey Finds 89% of Adults Consider Family Violence a Form of Domestic Terrorism

Special Report Debunks Myths and Offers Tips on How to Talk to Your Kids About Family Violence

NEW YORK, May 24 /PRNewswire/ -- In a national Family Circle/Lifetime Television survey, 92% of adults said they believe family violence is a much bigger problem than most people think, and 89% even go as far as to regard it as a form of domestic terrorism. Although men are somewhat more accepting of physical violence and don't get as upset when they witness it, 33% of men would try to intervene in a friendly way.

The survey, reported in the current (June 14) issue of Family Circle, also found that the term "family violence" has taken on a much larger definition - 96% of adults now believe verbal abuse can do just as much damage as physical abuse and 91% believe that a husband who forces himself on his wife is guilty of raping her.

Elder abuse has also gained more attention. More adults (93%) say they would be more upset to see someone harm a senior than a child (83%). And men and women would be would be just as quick to take action if they thought a child or senior in their community was being abused - by contacting a social- welfare agency (65%), for example, or the police (52%).

Asked what they would do if they suspected a close friend or relative were being abused, 77% of adults said they would gently try to get the person to talk about it, 56% would ask the person point-blank if their concerns were valid, and 45% would discuss their concerns with a spouse or close friend. A mere 18% would report their suspicions directly to a social-welfare agency or the police without discussing first.

To help parents talk with their kids about family violence, Family Circle Editor-in-chief Susan Ungaro provides the following conversation starters:

* Define good discipline. Make sure your children know that loving
parents never hurt their child. If they have a friend who is in a
violent home, they shouldn't hesitate to tell you about it.
* Emphasize respect. Fathers can play an impactful role in teaching
their sons and daughters about respect and consideration between the
sexes.
* Talk temper. 96% of people believe verbal abuse can do as much harm as
physical abuse. It's crucial to teach our children that nasty and
violent words hurt too.
* Stress that it's a crime. Our kids must understand that family
violence is a crime. Laws can protect the innocent when bad parents
don't.

Family Circle/Lifetime Television surveyed 1,013 adults nationally from March 9 through March 15, 2005. Complete findings appear in the current (June 14) issue of the magazine.

Source: Family Circle Magazine

CONTACT: Christina Duffney of Family Circle, +1-212-499-1612, or
cduffney@gjusa.com; or Geralyn Lucas of Lifetime Television, +1-212-424-7066,
or lucas@lifetimetv.com

NOTE TO EDITORS: Family Circle Editor-in-Chief Susan Ungaro is available to discuss survey findings and how to talk to your kids about family violence.

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