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More than words: the emotional maltreatment of children
Andrew M Campbell1, Roberta Hibbard1
1Section of Child Protection Programs, Indiana University School of Medicine, 705 Riley Hospital Drive, Room 3038 C, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
Insights
Emotional maltreatment is a complex and damaging form of child abuse, particularly affecting very young children. Medical professionals play a key role in identifying and protecting victims through observation and reporting.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Pediatrics
- Social Work
Background:
- Emotional maltreatment is a pervasive and severe form of child abuse.
- It often co-occurs with other forms of child abuse.
- Infants and toddlers are most vulnerable to severe negative outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significance of emotional maltreatment in child abuse.
- To outline the role of medical professionals in addressing emotional maltreatment.
- To emphasize the need for a coordinated response to suspected cases.
Main Methods:
- Observing caregiver-child interactions.
- Assessing family social history.
- Referring families to community or counseling services.
- Reporting suspected cases to Child Protective Services.
Main Results:
- Medical professionals can identify victims of emotional maltreatment.
- Early intervention and reporting are crucial for protection.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for effective response.
Conclusions:
- Emotional maltreatment poses significant risks to young children.
- Medical professionals are vital in the identification and protection of victims.
- A coordinated, multidisciplinary approach is necessary for addressing emotional maltreatment effectively.
Abstract:
Emotional maltreatment may be the most complex, prevalent, and damaging form of child maltreatment and can occur simultaneously with other forms of abuse. Children in the first few years of life seem to be at the greatest risk of suffering the most negative outcomes. Medical professionals can help identify and protect victims of emotional maltreatment by carefully observing caregiver-child interactions, paying attention to a family's social history, making referrals to community or counseling programs when necessary, and reporting any suspicions of maltreatment to Child Protective Services. A well-coordinated, multidisciplinary response must be enacted whenever emotional maltreatment is suspected or reported.