Bringing a Health Equity Perspective to the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect

Abstract

Persistent inequities in risk for child abuse and neglect (CAN) may be reduced by using a health equity perspective in order to assure that all children have the opportunity to reach their full health and life potential. In support of this goal, we introduce the World Health Organization’s Commission on the Social Determinants of Health framework, including providing an overview of its theoretical underpinnings and major domains. Drawing on the US experience as an example, we then use the framework to explore possible mechanisms and pathways that contribute to current inequities in risk for CAN. Following this, we provide a concrete example of how this framework has been used to guide and monitor activities in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Essentials for Childhood Initiative. We close with thoughts about the future of this work in our collective efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect and other childhood adversities by assuring safe, stable, nurturing environments for all children and families. The approach discussed here is relevant for other countries interested in the primary prevention of child abuse and neglect.