Identifying children at high risk for recurrence child abuse

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the characteristics of abused children, families and abusive event and to identify risk factors associated with recurrence of child abuse. Methods: Retrospective data from 133 children aged between 2 months to 15 years old who were diagnosed as abuse between year 2002 and 2017. Thirteen items related to characteristics of the child, families, abusive event were selected. These factors were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression model for association with repeated child abuse. Results: Total of 133 subjects with average age of 5.25 ± 4.65 years old. There were 54 cases (40.60%) reported of repeated abuse. Majority of repeated abuse type in this study was physical abuse (73.68%). Most perpetrators were child’s own parents (45.10%). Factors associated with increased risk of repeated abuse were child age 1–5 years old (AOR = 4.95/95%CI = 1.06–23.05), 6–10 years old (AOR = 6.80/95%CI = 1.22–37.91) and perpetrator was child’s own parent (AOR = 21.34/95%CI = 3.51–129.72). Three cases of mortality were found with single-visit children and one case in recurrence. Most of death cases were children less than 1-year-old with average age of 7 months. Causes of death were subdural hematoma with skull and ribs fracture. Conclusions: Identifying risk factors for repeated child abuse help in recognizing child at risk to provide prompt intervention. This study found two factors associated with higher risk of abuse recurrence: child age 1–10 years old and abusive parents. Children who presented with these risk factors should be recognized and intensively monitored.

Clinical and Forensic Aspects of the Management of Child Abuse: The Experience of the Paediatric Emergency Department in Novara, North-West Italy

“…In Thailand between the years 2002 and 2017, 133 cases of child maltreatment were identified in a children's hospital and 45.10% of these cases were supported by parents. It was also shown that the presence of abusive relatives and age between one-and 10-years old lead to a higher risk of recidivism [28]. No abuse with recidivism was identified in our study, except for one case of family maltreatment already known to the competent authorities.…”

No child is an island – The life situation before and during treatment for children exposed to family violence

“…Some were harassed by parents and others refused contact with parents who continued to be threatening. A study by Wongcharoenwatana et al (2021) indicates that the risk of reoccurring CA is higher if the perpetrator is a parent. This was the case for some participants, although others had been violated by other family members.…”

Prevalence and determinants of childhood maltreatment among adults attending primary healthcare centers, Jeddah, Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia, 2022

“…Childhood maltreatment is global social misbehavior, that in turn has caused psychological consequences and contributed to lower mental health status, drugs, or alcohol misuse along with physical morbidity and mortalityii. 32 Participants in this study have reported that 45.4% of them had emotional abuse, 36.7% of them had physical abuse, 65% were emotionally neglected and 25.3% were physically neglected. Risk factors that were associated with childhood maltreatment in this study sample were the mother's job, the caregiver or guardian, and the living standards of the family.…”