Preventing child abuse and neglect : a technical package for policy, norm, and programmatic activities

Abstract

Child maltreatment includes all types of abuse and neglect of a child under the age of 18 by a parent, caregiver, or another person in a custodial role (e.g., clergy, coach, teacher) that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child. 3 There are four common types of child maltreatment: 3 • Physical abuse is the use of physical force, such as hitting, kicking, shaking, burning, or other shows of force against a child. • Sexual abuse involves inducing or coercing a child to engage in sexual acts. It includes behaviors such as fondling, penetration, and exposing a child to other sexual activities. • Emotional abuse refers to behaviors that harm a child's self-worth or emotional well-being. Examples include name calling, shaming, rejection, withholding love, and threatening. • Neglect is the failure to meet a child's basic physical and emotional needs. These needs include housing, food, clothing, education, and access to medical care. Child abuse and neglect is highly prevalent. Self-report data suggest that at least 1 in 7 children have experienced child abuse and/or neglect in the last year. 4 Not all children, however, experience abuse and neglect at the same rates. Younger children are more likely to experience fatal abuse and neglect, 5 while 14-to 17-year-olds are more likely to experience non-fatal abuse and neglect. 4 Race and ethnicity and family income are also factors that may affect a child's exposure. Child protective services data show high rates of victimization among African-American children. African-American children experience abuse and neglect at rates that are nearly double those for white children. These differences are generally attributed to various community and societal factors, including poverty as well as differences in reporting and investigation. 5 Children living in families with a low socioeconomic status (SES) * have rates of child abuse and neglect that are five times higher than those of children living in families with a higher SES. 6 Irrespective of data source, definitions, and measures, the true magnitude of child abuse and neglect is likely underestimated, and children of all ages, races, and ethnicities deserve safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments to achieve maximal health and life potential. Child abuse and neglect is associated with several risk factors. Risk for child abuse and neglect perpetration and victimization is influenced by a number of individual, family, and environmental factors, all of which interact to increase or decrease risk over time and within specific contexts. Risk factors for victimization include child age and special needs that may increase caregiver burden (e.g., developmental and intellectual disabilities, mental health issues, and chronic physical illnesses). 7 Risk factors for perpetration include young parental age, single parenthood, large number of dependent children, low parental income, parental substance abuse, parental mental health issues, parental history of abuse or neglect, social isolation, family...

The economic burden of child maltreatment in the United States, 2015

“…Strategies to prevent and stop child abuse and neglect and to support survivors to lessen harms are available. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s technical package can help communities make use of the best available evidence to prevent child abuse and neglect (Fortson, Klevens, Merrick, Gilbert, & Alexander, 2016). …”

Characterizing Sexual Violence Victimization in Youth: 2012 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey

“…Primary prevention efforts promoting safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments for youth may prevent certain youth SV victimizations. 10 Other primary prevention efforts for SV perpetration in adolescence are also warranted, such as strategies that promote norms that protect against violence and skills-based approaches that teach healthy, safe dating relationships. 11 Recently published technical packages that compile the best available evidence for SV 11 and for child abuse and neglect 10 prevention may be useful tools in prioritizing prevention efforts and promoting evidence-based programs for victims.…”

Initial Findings from a Feasibility Trial Examining the SafeCare Dad to Kids Program with Marginalized Fathers

“…Programs targeting fathers can also increase positive father involvement in the lives of children. The literature is replete with studies indicating that positive father involvement improves a child’s chances of academic success (Fatherhood Institute, 2013; Jones & Mosher, 2013; Threlfall, Seay, & Kohl, 2013), reduces delinquency and substance use (Fatherhood Institute, 2013; Jones & Mosher, 2013; Lamb & Lewis, 2013), and enhances a child’s physical health, mental health, social skill level, and emotional development (Fortson, Klevens, Merrick, Gilbert & Alexander, 2016; Kohl & Seay, 2015; Lamb & Lewis, 2013; Panter-Brick et al, 2014). Father involvement is also often a direct benefit to mothers, not only in reducing childcare burden and maternal stress (Gee & Rhodes, 2003; Kalil, Ziol-Guest, & Coley, 2005), but also in reducing risk for postpartum depression (Fagan & Lee, 2010).…”