We now know and accept the grim reality that violence and abuse of intimates is more than a rare personal trouble. The scope and extent of intimate victimization is considerable. The harm caused by violence and abuse, both physical and emotional harm, is palpable. In the last decade social policy has changed radically from selective inattention and indifference to concentrated social action.
Controversies still remain, however.
Elder abuse, while recognized as a social problem, still receives scant attention from researchers, practitioners, and policy makers. Some forms of intimate violence, such as sibling violence, violence toward parents, and violence among gay and lesbian couples, still remain in the shadows of social policy, practice, and research.