New directions in intergenerational child maltreatment research and responses: Knowledge gaps and recommendations

Abstract

While there is much research on the topic of child maltreatment more broadly in Australia, a nuanced understanding of intergenerational child maltreatment is needed to improve our responses. Little work has considered all four intergenerational patterns of child maltreatment: cycle maintainers (maltreated parents with maltreated children), cycle breakers (maltreated parents with non‐maltreated children), cycle initiators (non‐maltreated parents with maltreated children) and a comparison group (non‐maltreated parents with non‐maltreated children). We use this terminology to maintain consistency with international literature, but acknowledge that these terms minimise the complexity inherent in contact with child protection systems. Research has mainly focused on maintainers, which hinders our ability to appropriately support all families and limits our understanding of individuals breaking the cycle. This paper outlines key knowledge gaps and identifies strategic areas of focus for researchers and policymakers. There is an urgent need for more emphasis on building resilience and strengths, the provision of more integrated and holistic support for families, and consideration of sex differences. We highlight the need for more research on this topic, particularly led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and hope that the recommendations in this paper can be revisited and updated as this important research base grows.

Child, parent and contextual factors associated with child protection system involvement and child maltreatment in the family: A rapid evidence review

“…The research was clear that there was no one factor for child maltreatment in the home, but rather it is a complex interplay between a variety of child, parent or family and contextual factors. These factors reflect a complex interplay of systemic issues that may contribute to an increased prevalence of child maltreatment including, intergenerational maltreatment, institutionalisation, disadvantage, racism and disproportionate attention from authorities (McKenzie et al, 2023;O'Donnell et al, 2019;Walter & Suina, 2019).…”