NCJ Number
138462
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect: The International Journal Volume: 16 Issue: 4 Dated: (July/August 1992) Pages: 455-464
Date Published
1992
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This report presents a series of case studies that have identified trends in reported child maltreatment in selected community areas in Chicago from 1980 to 1986, so as to determine whether community characteristics correlate with child abuse rates in the community.
Abstract
The study involved 77 community areas within the Chicago metropolitan area. Child maltreatment rates were examined in relation to indicators of community socioeconomic and demographic well-being. The study's hypothesis was that in communities at high risk for high rates of child maltreatment there would be evidence of social impoverishment as viewed by community leaders that would mirror the community profile obtained through an analysis of socioeconomic and demographic data. Conversely, the researchers expected to find evidence of higher morale, community integration, and generally a better quality of life in communities at low risk for child maltreatment. Study findings support this hypothesis. Social momentum was found to be a powerful force; the socioeconomic decline in a community was attended by the disintegration of all social systems. This study thus concludes that child maltreatment is a symptom of not just personal or family dysfunction but also neighborhood and community dysfunction and maladjustment. These findings suggest that the rate of child maltreatment can be improved by policies that upgrade the socioeconomic quality of a community. 1 table and 10 references