Child Maltreatment: Definitions, Theories, and Impact for Social Work

Who was Mary Ellen?

A child whose abuse case helped change perspectives about child protection.

Why was Mary Ellen's case important?

It helped bring attention to the need for children to have protection from abuse and changed how society viewed child protection.

What is a social condition?

A situation or circumstance that exists within society.

What is a social concern?

A social condition that becomes recognized as a problem that needs attention.

What is a mandated reporter?

A professional or other person who is legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect.

What is deterrence theory?

The idea that consequences or punishment can discourage people from engaging in harmful behavior.

What does VMIR stand for?

Violence, maltreatment, and interpersonal relationships.

What are ACES?

Adverse Childhood Experiences.

What is resilience?

The ability to adapt and recover after adversity.

What is a protective factor?

A characteristic or condition that helps reduce the likelihood of negative outcomes.

Why is not having a common definition of child maltreatment a problem?

Different definitions can make it difficult to consistently identify, measure, compare, and understand maltreatment.

What is attachment?

The emotional bond that develops between a child and caregiver.

Why is attachment important?

Attachment can influence children's emotional and social development and their relationships with caregivers.

What role does stress play in child maltreatment?

Stress can contribute to circumstances that increase the risk of maltreatment.

What is substantiation?

A determination that a report of maltreatment is supported by the available evidence.

Is everyone who experiences childhood abuse likely to abuse their own children?

No. Experiencing abuse can be a risk factor, but it does not mean someone will become abusive.

What is the VMIR funnel used for?

It helps explain how we move from the larger number of experiences of maltreatment toward the smaller number of cases that become known, reported, investigated, or substantiated.

Why might national maltreatment data not give us a complete picture?

Not every experience is recognized, reported, investigated, or substantiated.

What is physical abuse?

Physical harm or injury inflicted on a child.

Why are different professional perspectives on physical abuse important?

Medical, legal, and social welfare professionals may view and respond to abuse differently.

What is a child risk factor?

A characteristic or circumstance involving the child that can increase vulnerability to maltreatment.

What is a caregiver risk factor?

A characteristic or circumstance involving the caregiver that can increase the likelihood of maltreatment.

What is Abusive Head Trauma?

A serious form of physical abuse involving injury to a child's head or brain.

What are internalizing behaviors?

Problems that are directed inward, such as emotional or psychological difficulties.

What are externalizing behaviors?

Problems expressed outwardly through behaviors such as aggression or acting out.

What are neurobiological consequences?

Changes or effects involving the brain and nervous system.

What is child sexual abuse?

Sexual behavior or sexual activity involving a child that is inappropriate, exploitative, or abusive.

Why is child sexual abuse underreported?

Children may not disclose because of fear, shame, threats, confusion, or other barriers.

How can electronic communication affect child sexual abuse?

Electronic communication can create additional ways for abuse or exploitation to occur.

What are child risk factors?

Characteristics or circumstances that can increase a child's vulnerability.

What is neglect?

A failure to provide necessary care, supervision, or support for a child.

What are acts of omission?

Failing to do something that should have been done.

What are acts of commission?

Doing something that causes harm.

What is serve and return?

The back-and-forth interaction between a child and caregiver.

Why is serve and return important?

Responsive caregiver interactions support children's development.

What does Bronfenbrenner's model help us understand?

How different levels of a child's environment can influence development and risk.

Can neglect occur in wealthy families?

Yes.

What can neglect affect?

Attachment, development, behavior, and other child outcomes.

What is psychological maltreatment?

Harmful behavior or patterns of behavior that negatively affect a child's emotional or psychological development.

How can intimate partner violence also be psychological abuse?

Exposure to violence between caregivers can cause psychological harm to children.