NCJ Number
74699
Date Published
1979
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This paper explores the inadequacies in present knowledge about child abuse with a review to redirecting public prevention efforts. Problems are cited in the areas of child abuse definition, incidence, causal hypotheses, research, treatment, and prevention.
Abstract
The lack of knowledge about child abuse begins with a lack of concensus regarding a definition. Although many professionals feel that abuse occurs when the act involved results in either direct harm, a direct intent to injure, or an intent to harm without bodily injury, they disagree on what conditions are not abusive. Since definition of abuse is not uniform, it is difficult to guess at its incidence. Moreover, the full extent of abuse cannot be entirely known because of the large number of unreported incidences. Theoretical views of child abuse have centered on psychological characteristics of parents or on the underlying causes of stress which could lead to child abuse. However, neither view is entirely satisfactory in understanding child abuse. Although research on child abuse is, at present, primitive and rudimentary, some large studies are beginning to more adequately evaluate the characteristics of abusive families by comparing them with control families. More needs to be done in studying the total environment of the family. Currently, a wide variety of treatment strategies are being practiced, ranging from individual therapy, casework, and child foster care, to Parents Anonymous, parent aides, crisis nurseries, and short-term residential treatment for entire families. However, efforts to eliminate child abuse must be directed towards families, institutions, and society as a whole since child abuse is embedded in all three components. Reference notes and 27 references follow the text.