Sometimes the dynamics of one kind of abuse give insight into another. However, FRL research has established that elder abuse is actually more often like wife abuse, and that spouses are the most frequent abusers. Family Violence and Society FRL is also unique in connecting family violence to other social problems. For example, FRL research has shown that wife abuse rates are higher in states where the status of women is low. Reducing family violence would very likely help ease a wide variety of other social problems.
Any single method has weaknesses.
But the same finding using different methods has great credibility. This diversity of methods has enriched the FRL and the field as a whole. The FRL has a commitment to training new researchers. This is carried out particularly through our fellowship program for postdoctoral social scientists, through our affiliation with the graduate program in the Department of Sociology at UNH, and through our course offerings at the graduate and undergraduate level. Many others have benefitted from shore visits and participation in FRL conferences and seminars.