Domestic Abuse in Dave Pelzer’s The Lost Boy According to Charles Zastrow’s Social Work Perspective

Abstract

David Pelzer's memoir The Lost Boy (1997) captures the dreadful circumstances of his life after suffering from emotional, psychological, and physical abuse at the hands of his alcoholic mother, and how he was rescued from his life-draining surroundings. Zastrow’s social work perspective is one of the frameworks pertaining to domestic abuse that can be applied in understanding the context of Pelzer’s life. The Lost Boy is the second manuscript in sequences that tells the story of David Pelzer. This study reveals the tragic complexities of the abusive relationship between Dave and his mother, analyzing the traumatic experiences of childhood abuse through the framework of Charles Zastrow’s social work perspective. Dave’s narrative springs a harrowing account of his suffering and survival under the oppressive abuse of his mother. The study also examines how Pelzer’s experiences reflect broader societal issues related to domestic abuse. It addresses the long-term impacts of abuse on personal development and the process of recovery. This research aims to deepen the understanding of the nature of abuse and contribute to more effective approaches in preventing and responding to domestic abuse, both in the context of social work and broader societal frameworks.