NCJ Number
229806
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 25 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2010 Pages: 165-172
Date Published
February 2010
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Using a multi-informant approach, this study examined background and risk factors in cases of severe child physical abuse in Sweden.
Abstract
Minor child physical abuse has decreased in Sweden since 1979, when a law banning corporal punishment of children was passed, but more serious forms have not decreased. The aim of this study was to examine risk and background factors in cases of severe child abuse reported to the police. Files from different agencies (e.g., Social services, Adult and Child psychiatry and Pediatric clinic) for 20 children and 34 caretakers were studied. An accumulation of risk factors was found. It is concluded that when the following four factors are present, there is a risk for severe child abuse: 1) a person with a tendency to use violence in conflict situations; 2) a strong level of stress on the perpetrator and the family; 3) an insufficient social network that does not manage to protect the child; 4) a child that does not manage to protect him or herself. Thus, multiple sources of information must be used when investigating child abuse. Tables, appendix, and references (Published Abstract)