NCJ Number
172433
Journal
Child Abuse Review Volume: 6 Issue: 5 Dated: special issue (December 1997) Pages: 315-329
Date Published
1997
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the caregiver-abuser relationship in emotional abuse and suggests that a strict application of the term "child protection" is not appropriate in emotional abuse.
Abstract
Emotional abuse refers to a relationship rather than to a series of events. It is increasingly being recognized as a variant of child abuse and neglect, with serious implications for the child's future. Based on a study of children registered under the category of emotional abuse, it has been possible to identify three tiers of concern: parental attributes, categories of ill-treatment, and impairments of the child's development. While advocating an early response to concerns suggesting emotional abuse, the article raises questions about the appropriateness of immediate use of formal child protection procedures in the investigation and assessment of suspected emotional abuse. The article suggests alternative approaches which may not need to include police and social services in the early stages. The response to recognition of emotional abuse is more appropriately considered as working towards protection. Tables, figure, references