Child abuse in nineteenth century Queensland

Various forms of the social and medical dilemma now referred to as child abuse occurred in 19th century Queensland. Incidents ranging from parental carelessness and neglect to deliberate injury and murder were reported in the lay and medical press. This paper investigates abuse of infants in Queensland in the latter half of the 19th century in the context of socioeconomic conditions, family stress, concepts of morality and prevailing social mores. Identifiable incidents include infanticide, injury, deliberate neglect, neglect due to ignorance and poverty, and accidents or poisonings where abuse appears to have been a factor. Child abuse stimulated the medical profession, religious bodies, groups of concerned citizens, and eventually the state to intervene to protect and care for endangered children. These initiatives and the social and moral attitudes they reflected are also examined. Legal definitions and records of court proceedings are evaluated as well so that changes in official as well as social attitudes can be better understood.