Summary

Child Abuse brings together experts in both physical abuse and sexual abuse to create one of the few volumes that has addressed innovative approaches to treatment and prevention in these two areas. The resulting compendium of information provides insights into the current psychological perspectives on the causes and treatment of different forms of child maltreatment as well as the delivery of early intervention and prevention services. The book begins in the first part with a conceptual overview of the effect of physical abuse on the life course of children and adults. Chapters on physical abuse also examine recent findings related to child abuse offenders, children who witness domestic violence, treatment of abusive adults, and prevention programs aimed at dating adolescents and pregnant women. Contributors focusing on child sexual abuse note new approaches to the delivery of treatment services for these children as well as current developments in the interface between abuse victims and the court system. Considering the needs of both adult survivors and children, Child Abuse also discusses how child maltreatment interventions can be integrated into broader intervention services. An ideal book for use in professional training and development, Child Abuse will also guide policymakers at state and national levels to emerging new models and programs. This volume is likewise a useful resource for researchers and practitioners in social work, clinical/counseling psychology, mental health, and public health.