Preventing the Psychological Maltreatment of Children

Abstract

Psychological violence and other forms of psychological abuse constitute the most frequent type of child maltreatment within the family setting. To effectively prevent psychological maltreatment, answers to four questions must be provided: First, what is the nature and scope of the problem (what to prevent)? Second, toward whom should intervention be directed (who is at risk)? Third, in what situations or milieus is the problem most likely to be observed (where should intervention be targeted)? Finally, which preventive strategies are the most effective (how to intervene)? This article addresses these questions and identifies both the challenges and resources available for intervention, primarily by focusing on the risk and protection factors associated with the psychological maltreatment of children.