Coming to Terms with a Consensual Definition of Child Maltreatment

Abstract

This study addresses the critical need to clarify current definitions of child maltreatment by identifying the extent to which consensus exists and highlighting those areas in which key decision makers disagree as to what affects an abuse determination. Participants (N = 323) were mental health, legal, and medical professionals; teachers; parents; and adult non-parents. Respondents agreed that actual physical or psychological harm to the child, whether the act is sexual in nature, seriousness and frequency of the act, and an intent to harm the child are key factors. The groups began to diverge on their evaluations of the degree to which intent should be factored into such a decision. Suggestions for future research aimed at developing more consistent legal and practice standards are presented.