Preventing physical child abuse by legal punishment and neighbor help

Neighbourhood collective efficacy and protective effects on child maltreatment: A systematic literature review

“…This suggests that false accusation may not deter parents from abusing their children. Rather, punishing mothers for abusing their children may deter fathers from abusing their children (Cheung, 2016). The evidence suggests that neighbours willing to report abuse within their neighbourhoods should have adequate evidence so as to avoid hostilities associated with wrong accusations.…”

“…The evidence suggests that neighbours willing to report abuse within their neighbourhoods should have adequate evidence so as to avoid hostilities associated with wrong accusations. Findings from Cheung’s (2016) study should be interpreted with caution as they sought the views of students on the potential deterrent effects of parents’ abusive behaviours and neighbours support, without using any established ISC scale.…”

“…The results confirm the logic behind the indirect ISC intervention which results in punitive measures in the form of punishment to the perpetrators. Such punishments are aimed at deterring the perpetrators from further indulgence in abusive behaviours and other partners who may witness the punishment process (Cheung, 2016). It is expected that the punitive measures will instil feelings of self‐shame among parents and ensure they abide by social norms and desist from further maltreatment behaviours (Ross, 2009).…”