Child Abuse and Neglect: Ecological Perspectives

There are large bodies of work looking at both the rate of occurrence of child maltreatment and potential outcomes. In this edited book, the current state of knowledge about incidence and prevalence of child abuse and neglect, as well as the methodological difficulties obtaining accurate estimates, are outlined in Chapter 2 by Lorraine Radford. Similarly, Sarah Font in Chapter 5 overviews the outcomes that may follow child abuse and neglect, including the increased risk of negative outcomes for victims in childhood (Barnes, Noll, Putnam & Trickett, 2009; Cicchetti & Toth, 1995; Johnson et al., 2004), adolescence (Hussey, Chang & Kotch, 2006) and into adulthood (Hillberg, Hamilton‐Giachritsis & Dixon, 2011). However, how and why does child maltreatment occur? This chapter aims to provide a summary of the theoretical perspectives behind the aetiology of child abuse and neglect, including historical perspectives. In particular, the most commonly considered approach is outlined: the ecological theory of child maltreatment. This latter perspective argues that child abuse and neglect must be seen within the broader context of a child, their family, immediate environment (school, peers, community) and the wider social and cultural context. For example, in recent years there has been a very substantial and notable social change, i.e., the increased use of and dependence on technology. This has both positive and negative outcomes: alongside increased channels by which potential offenders can access children, there are also increased opportunities for positive interventions following abuse and neglect. Hence this will be used as an example throughout the chapter.