Maltreatment of children.

Abstract

Child maltreatment is comprised of four major categories. These include physical abuse, physical neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. Theory development has evolved to explanatory models. Research has provided a great deal of insight into the recognition of child maltreatment, the factors that place children at risk for maltreatment, and the factors that place a caregiver at risk for becoming abusive. The emotional effects of child maltreatment on the child include shame, aggression, delinquency, criminology, depression, and symptoms consistent with posttraumatic stress disorder. Theoretical frameworks for child maltreatment intervention both with the child and the perpetrator have been developed. Theory testing and development should continue to provide direction for further intervention research.