Child Maltreatment Trends in the 1990s: Why Does Neglect Differ From Sexual and Physical Abuse?

Abstract

Substantiated cases of child maltreatment have declined more than 20% since a peak in 1993. However, although sexual abuse and physical abuse showed significant declines during the 1990s (47% and 36%, respectively), neglect fluctuated, with only a small overall decline during this period (7%). Available data suggest that at least part of the declines in sexual and physical abuse is likely to be real. Some evidence also suggests that a decline in neglect may have been masked in some states. Possible sources for declines in child maltreatment include direct prevention efforts, economic improvements, more aggressive criminal justice efforts, dissemination of psychiatric medication, and generational changes. Public health models suggest that population-level prevention initiatives are the most promising options for further reducing maltreatment rates. However, better epidemiological and evaluation research will be needed to identify the key factors.

Therapy for Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors Using Attachment and Family Systems Theory Orientations

“…Gender differences emerge regarding the direction of anger. For example, boys who have been sexually abused tend to show more aggressive behaviors such as bullying (Jones, Finkelhor, & Halter, 2006). Alternatively, girls show more aggressive behaviors toward themselves.…”

The Great Recession and the risk for child maltreatment

“…However, as Jones and colleagues (2006) have noted, there are a number of potential explanations for this decline. For example, much of the research on child physical abuse is based on administrative data that may be influenced by changing legal definitions of abuse and/or changing standards for substantiation by Child Protective Services.…”

Treatment effects for common outcomes of child sexual abuse: A current meta-analysis

“…Although an encouraging trend indicates that sexual abuse in the U.S. appears to have declined in recent years (Jones, Finkelhor, & Halter, 2006), the sexual victimization of children remains a significant problem, both in the U.S and internationally (Pareda et al, 2009). While not every sexually abused child experiences clinically significant symptomatology following abuse, (Kendall-Tackett et al, 1993; Sawyer, 2007), data are clear that a large proportion of sexually abused children and adolescents do experience deleterious outcomes.…”