Etiological Factors and Long Term Consequences of Child Abuse

Abstract

This is a difficult area for statistics because (a) the extent of the problem is always shrouded. Only the worst cases come before the courts; some are known by the authorities, some by neighbours and acquaintances, some only by the victim and the aggressor; (b) the line between legitimate punishment and abuse varies in different countries and at different periods, and can be difficult to draw with any certainty.