Child maltreatment

Child maltreatment is a relatively common experience for children of all ages. It takes different forms, including neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse and sexual abuse. Different forms often co-exist. The harm caused by all forms of maltreatment is largely psychological and behavioural and is often long-lasting. Children are maltreated by their primary carers or by persons already familiar to them. Environmental risk factors include poverty and social disadvantage; parental substance abuse, parental mental ill-health and domestic violence are proximal risk factors. While sexual abuse and physical abuse are not usually witnessed, neglect and emotional abuse are readily observable. A few children require immediate protection, usually by separating them from their abuser, while for the majority the initial work is with their carers towards protection. Intervention requires a coordinated multidisciplinary approach. It includes working with the parents to alleviate risk factors and improve their parenting. Work is also required directly with the children to alleviate the effects of maltreatment.