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An Overview of Child Abuse. Terrie Rose, PhD Institute of Child Development University of Minnesota. Historical Perspective. Many historical accounts of child maltreatment 1962: Definition of battered-child syndrome Maltreatment expanded to include various acts of violence and neglect
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An Overview of Child Abuse Terrie Rose, PhD Institute of Child Development University of Minnesota
Historical Perspective • Many historical accounts of child maltreatment • 1962: Definition of battered-child syndrome • Maltreatment expanded to include various acts of violence and neglect • Domestic violence • Community violence • Ritualistic abuse
Prevalence of maltreatment • 1998: 12.9 per 1,000 children experienced maltreatment • Neglect is most common (54%) • Most forms of maltreatment declined from 1990 stats • Neglect increased from 6.3 per 1000 (1990) to 7.2 per 1000 (1998)
Age of victims • Infants and toddlers have highest rate (14.8 per 1,000) • Early neglect related to: • Non-organic failure-to-thrive • Accidental injuries • Children, ages 4 and younger account for 78% of all abuse-related fatalities
Gender and ethnicity • Girls…. • greater risk of maltreatment at older ages • more likely to experience sexual abuse …than boys • Ethnic difference found BUT confounding factors not included in analyses
Data limitations • Discrepancies in data collection • Conflicting definitions of maltreatment • Lack of coordination among researchers
Etiology of child abuse • Individual • Developmental delays, mental illness • Relationships • Domestic violence, parenting skills • Local communities • Religious support, crime • Society • Poverty, racism
Impact on children • Physical health and safety • Self-perceptions • Psychological adjustment • Self worth • Future outlook • Social relations • Expectations of others
Child abuse manifestations in toddlerhood • Anger • Non-compliance • Poor peer relationships • Limited academic success
Future directions • Identify personal and environmental resources • Mediate experiences of maltreatment on later outcomes • Promote healthy development • Provide prevention services for both parents and children