NCJ Number
94929
Date Published
1983
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This chapter indicates the enormity of the problem of child maltreatment in the United States; defines physical abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse; and discusses symptoms and behaviors commonly believed to be evidence or causes of child abuse and neglect.
Abstract
Since reporting trends suggest that the phenomena of physical abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse occur isolated from one another, discussion begins with discrete descriptions and examples of each. The author argues that assessments more often disclose a variety of forms of child maltreatment occurring together within multiproblem families. The identification of physical abuse and all other forms of child abuse depends on the integration of clinical and sociological models which highlight respective stressors in the family's interaction and environment. In families where roles are not clearly defined, boundaries between members are fluid, and where the events of everyday life are completely unpredictable, all forms of child maltreatment are possible. Although disguised, families which demonstrate isolated phenomena of abuse or neglect do exist. The potential reporter must be alert to a wide range of patterns, and the worker must be able to analyze psychological, sociological, and structural factors to plan interventions which will enable families to safeguard their children. The chapter includes 33 references.