Abuse and violence against weaker members of society have long persisted throughout the history of humanity. Over time, however, the emergence and spread of the modern notion of human rights brought changes in public awareness that led to increased intervention in abuse and violence cases. Child abuse, elder abuse and domestic violence, once considered family matters, are increasingly viewed as issues in need of state intervention, thanks in part also to recent media reports that brought to light some grave cases of abuse. This brief looks at social services—both social welfare services and protective services—that are in place to respond to abuse and violence, and discusses what should be done to improve the delivery of these services.
