Child Maltreatment During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Rapid Review

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to global public health.
• Understanding its impact on vulnerable populations, such as children, is critical.
• Child maltreatment remains a significant societal concern, potentially exacerbated by pandemic-related stressors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a systematic rapid review on the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and child maltreatment.
• To synthesize findings from existing literature regarding changes in child maltreatment during the pandemic.
• To identify variations in reported child maltreatment across different geographical locations, age groups, and types of abuse.

Main Methods:

• Systematic rapid review methodology.
• Database searches conducted on December 28, 2020, yielding 234 unique citations.
• Inclusion criteria focused on studies measuring physical, psychological, sexual abuse, and child neglect during the COVID-19 pandemic; 12 articles were analyzed.

Main Results:

• A mixed pattern of findings emerged regarding child maltreatment rates during the pandemic compared to the prepandemic period.
• Five included studies reported an increase in child maltreatment.
• Six studies indicated a decrease, while one study found no significant difference.

Conclusions:

• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child maltreatment is complex and varied.
• Geographical location, victim age, and the specific type of maltreatment assessed influenced reported trends.
• Further research is needed to fully understand and address the pandemic's long-term effects on child safety and well-being.