Familial risk factors in cases of physical child maltreatment

Abstract

Background: Experiences of violence in childhood can cause serious physical and psychological damage. By identifying familial risk factors early, help and support can be offered in a targeted manner. The study examines familial risk factors in cases of physical abuse in order to use the results for preventive child protection. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of 368 forensic case files of maltreated children (aged 0–14 years) was performed in comparison to a control group of children without suspicion of maltreatment (n = 336). Demographic and social factors as well as the mental health of the birth parents and the accused, were recorded. In addition, previous contacts of the families with youth welfare offices were evaluated. Results: Young parental age and family constellations deviating from the traditional family form were identified as significant risk factors for child maltreatment. The evaluation of the number of siblings and the child’s position in the sibling line revealed no significant differences. No significant differences were also found for the factors substance abuse, criminal history, immigrant background, mental health, unemployment, and educational status of birth parents but at low documentation rates (2–22%). In more than one third of the maltreatment cases, the families were already known to the youth welfare office (36%). Most often, the mother (24%), father (22%), or both parents (31%) were accused of causing the injuries. Conclusion: During the medical examinations of children, the social history should always be taken and included in the assessment, especially in cases of injuries suspicious of abuse, so that support can be indicated at an early stage if there is an increased risk of abuse.