Skip to main content
Top
Published in: European Journal of Pediatrics 2/2010

01-02-2010 | Original Paper

Characteristics associated with maltreatment types in children referred to a hospital protection team

Authors: Andreas Jud, Ulrich Lips, Markus A. Landolt

Published in: European Journal of Pediatrics | Issue 2/2010

Login to get access

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this paper is to describe characteristics associated with maltreatment types in children referred to the child protection team at the University Children’s Hospital Zürich. Since 2003, the child protection team has registered data on each case in a standardized form.

Methods

To examine differences in gender, age, nationality, and socioeconomic status by type of maltreatment, regression analyses were conducted for the 1,484 cases that were referred from 2003 to 2006.

Results

The most common types of referred maltreatment were sexual (38%) and physical maltreatment (31%) with mean ages of 8.4 and 7 years, respectively. Compared to physical maltreatment, where gender distribution was equal, there was a higher risk for girls to become victims of sexual maltreatment. Younger children were at higher risk for neglect (mean age 5 years). Low socioeconomic status increased the risk for physical as compared to sexual maltreatment. However, whether the child was of Swiss or of foreign nationality was not associated with an increased risk for any type of maltreatment when controlling for socioeconomic status.

Conclusion

As this study is one of a few to analyze characteristics in child maltreatment referred to a hospital child protection team, further research is needed. To improve international comparability, thorough documentation of the cases is encouraged.
Literature
1.
go back to reference Arata CM, Langhinrichsen-Rohling J, Bowers D et al (2007) Differential correlates of multi-type maltreatment among urban youth. Child Abuse Negl 31(4):393–415CrossRefPubMed Arata CM, Langhinrichsen-Rohling J, Bowers D et al (2007) Differential correlates of multi-type maltreatment among urban youth. Child Abuse Negl 31(4):393–415CrossRefPubMed
2.
go back to reference Arbeitsgruppe Kindesmisshandlung (1992) Kindesmisshandlungen in der Schweiz. Eidgenössische Drucksachen- und Materialzentrale, Bern Arbeitsgruppe Kindesmisshandlung (1992) Kindesmisshandlungen in der Schweiz. Eidgenössische Drucksachen- und Materialzentrale, Bern
3.
go back to reference Benbenishty R, Chen W (2003) Decision making by the child protection team of a medical center. Health Soc Work 28(4):284–292PubMed Benbenishty R, Chen W (2003) Decision making by the child protection team of a medical center. Health Soc Work 28(4):284–292PubMed
4.
go back to reference Bross DC, Ballo N, Korfmacher J (2000) Client evaluation of a consultation team on crimes against children. Child Abuse Negl 24(1):71–84CrossRefPubMed Bross DC, Ballo N, Korfmacher J (2000) Client evaluation of a consultation team on crimes against children. Child Abuse Negl 24(1):71–84CrossRefPubMed
5.
go back to reference Bundesamt für Statistik (2006) Ausländerinnen und Ausländer in der Schweiz. Bundesamt für Statistik, Neuchâtel Bundesamt für Statistik (2006) Ausländerinnen und Ausländer in der Schweiz. Bundesamt für Statistik, Neuchâtel
6.
go back to reference Dopke CA, Lundahl BW, Dunsterville E et al (2003) Interpretations of child compliance in individuals at high- and low-risk for child physical abuse. Child Abuse Negl 27(3):285–302CrossRefPubMed Dopke CA, Lundahl BW, Dunsterville E et al (2003) Interpretations of child compliance in individuals at high- and low-risk for child physical abuse. Child Abuse Negl 27(3):285–302CrossRefPubMed
7.
go back to reference Dubowitz H (2007) Understanding and addressing the “neglect of neglect:” digging into the molehill. Child Abuse Negl 31(6):603–606CrossRefPubMed Dubowitz H (2007) Understanding and addressing the “neglect of neglect:” digging into the molehill. Child Abuse Negl 31(6):603–606CrossRefPubMed
8.
go back to reference Ferrier PE, Schaller M, Girardet I (1985) Abused children admitted to a pediatric in-patient service in Switzerland: a ten-year experience and follow-up evaluation. Child Abuse Negl 9(3):373–381CrossRefPubMed Ferrier PE, Schaller M, Girardet I (1985) Abused children admitted to a pediatric in-patient service in Switzerland: a ten-year experience and follow-up evaluation. Child Abuse Negl 9(3):373–381CrossRefPubMed
9.
go back to reference Freisthler B, Merritt DH, LaScala EA (2006) Understanding the ecology of child maltreatment: a review of the literature and directions for future research. Child Maltreat 11(3):263–280CrossRefPubMed Freisthler B, Merritt DH, LaScala EA (2006) Understanding the ecology of child maltreatment: a review of the literature and directions for future research. Child Maltreat 11(3):263–280CrossRefPubMed
10.
go back to reference Garbarino J, Ebata A (1983) The significance of ethnic and cultural differences in child maltreatment. J Marriage Fam 45(4):773–783CrossRef Garbarino J, Ebata A (1983) The significance of ethnic and cultural differences in child maltreatment. J Marriage Fam 45(4):773–783CrossRef
11.
go back to reference Goodman-Brown TB, Edelstein RS, Goodman GS et al (2003) Why children tell: a model of children's disclosure of sexual abuse. Child Abuse Negl 27(5):525–540CrossRefPubMed Goodman-Brown TB, Edelstein RS, Goodman GS et al (2003) Why children tell: a model of children's disclosure of sexual abuse. Child Abuse Negl 27(5):525–540CrossRefPubMed
12.
go back to reference Häfeli C (2005) Wegleitung für vormundschaftliche Organe, 4th edn. kdmz, Zürich Häfeli C (2005) Wegleitung für vormundschaftliche Organe, 4th edn. kdmz, Zürich
13.
go back to reference Hall A (1988) The development of a multi-disciplinary approach to the assessment and management of child sexual abuse in an inner city Health District. Health Trends 20(2):39–43PubMed Hall A (1988) The development of a multi-disciplinary approach to the assessment and management of child sexual abuse in an inner city Health District. Health Trends 20(2):39–43PubMed
14.
go back to reference Hampton RL, Newberger EH (1985) Child abuse incidence and reporting by hospitals: significance of severity, class, and race. Am J Public Health 75(1):56–60CrossRefPubMed Hampton RL, Newberger EH (1985) Child abuse incidence and reporting by hospitals: significance of severity, class, and race. Am J Public Health 75(1):56–60CrossRefPubMed
15.
go back to reference Hochstadt NJ, Harwicke NJ (1985) How effective is the multidisciplinary approach? A follow-up study. Child Abuse Negl 9(3):365–372CrossRefPubMed Hochstadt NJ, Harwicke NJ (1985) How effective is the multidisciplinary approach? A follow-up study. Child Abuse Negl 9(3):365–372CrossRefPubMed
16.
go back to reference Jones DA, Trudinger P, Crawford M (2004) Intelligence and achievement of children referred following sexual abuse. J Paediatr Child Health 40(8):455–460CrossRefPubMed Jones DA, Trudinger P, Crawford M (2004) Intelligence and achievement of children referred following sexual abuse. J Paediatr Child Health 40(8):455–460CrossRefPubMed
17.
go back to reference Kempe CH, Silverman FN, Steele BF et al (1962) The battered-child syndrome. JAMA 181:17–24PubMed Kempe CH, Silverman FN, Steele BF et al (1962) The battered-child syndrome. JAMA 181:17–24PubMed
18.
go back to reference Kruttschnitt C, McLeod J, Dornfeld M (1994) The economic environment of child abuse. Soc Probl 41(2):299–315CrossRef Kruttschnitt C, McLeod J, Dornfeld M (1994) The economic environment of child abuse. Soc Probl 41(2):299–315CrossRef
19.
go back to reference Leeb RT, Paulozzi L, Melanson C et al (2008) Child maltreatment surveillance: uniform definitions for public health and recommended data elements, version 1.0. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Atlanta Leeb RT, Paulozzi L, Melanson C et al (2008) Child maltreatment surveillance: uniform definitions for public health and recommended data elements, version 1.0. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Atlanta
20.
go back to reference Levy HB, Markovic J, Chaudhry U et al (1995) Reabuse rates in a sample of children followed for 5 years after discharge from a child abuse inpatient assessment program. Child Abuse Negl 19(11):1363–1377CrossRefPubMed Levy HB, Markovic J, Chaudhry U et al (1995) Reabuse rates in a sample of children followed for 5 years after discharge from a child abuse inpatient assessment program. Child Abuse Negl 19(11):1363–1377CrossRefPubMed
21.
go back to reference Lynch DL, Stern AE, Oates RK et al (1993) Who participates in child sexual abuse research? J Child Psychol Psychiatry 34(6):935–944CrossRefPubMed Lynch DL, Stern AE, Oates RK et al (1993) Who participates in child sexual abuse research? J Child Psychol Psychiatry 34(6):935–944CrossRefPubMed
22.
go back to reference Mathews B, Kenny MC (2008) Mandatory reporting legislation in the United States, Canada, and Australia: a cross-jurisdictional review of key features, differences, and issues. Child Maltreat 13(1):50–63CrossRefPubMed Mathews B, Kenny MC (2008) Mandatory reporting legislation in the United States, Canada, and Australia: a cross-jurisdictional review of key features, differences, and issues. Child Maltreat 13(1):50–63CrossRefPubMed
23.
go back to reference McSherry D (2007) Understanding and addressing the “neglect of neglect”: why are we making a mole-hill out of a mountain? Child Abuse Negl 31(6):607–614CrossRefPubMed McSherry D (2007) Understanding and addressing the “neglect of neglect”: why are we making a mole-hill out of a mountain? Child Abuse Negl 31(6):607–614CrossRefPubMed
24.
go back to reference Monteleone JA, Brodeur AE (1998) Child maltreatment: a clinical guide and reference. Whaley, St. Louis Monteleone JA, Brodeur AE (1998) Child maltreatment: a clinical guide and reference. Whaley, St. Louis
25.
go back to reference Oral R, Can D, Kaplan S et al (2001) Child abuse in Turkey: an experience in overcoming denial and a description of 50 cases. Child Abuse Negl 25(2):279–290CrossRefPubMed Oral R, Can D, Kaplan S et al (2001) Child abuse in Turkey: an experience in overcoming denial and a description of 50 cases. Child Abuse Negl 25(2):279–290CrossRefPubMed
26.
go back to reference Paluszny MJ, Cullen BJ, Funk J et al (1989) Child abuse disposition: concurrences and differences between a hospital team, child protection agency and the court. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 20(1):25–38CrossRefPubMed Paluszny MJ, Cullen BJ, Funk J et al (1989) Child abuse disposition: concurrences and differences between a hospital team, child protection agency and the court. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 20(1):25–38CrossRefPubMed
27.
go back to reference Roane TH (1992) Male victims of sexual abuse: a case review within a child protective team. Child Welfare 71(3):231–239PubMed Roane TH (1992) Male victims of sexual abuse: a case review within a child protective team. Child Welfare 71(3):231–239PubMed
28.
go back to reference Skellern CY, Wood DO, Murphy A et al (2000) Non-accidental fractures in infants: risk of further abuse. J Paediatr Child Health 36(6):590–592CrossRefPubMed Skellern CY, Wood DO, Murphy A et al (2000) Non-accidental fractures in infants: risk of further abuse. J Paediatr Child Health 36(6):590–592CrossRefPubMed
29.
go back to reference StataCorp (2007) Stata statistical software: release 10. StataCorp LP, College Station StataCorp (2007) Stata statistical software: release 10. StataCorp LP, College Station
30.
go back to reference Statistik Stadt Zürich (2006) Statistisches Jahrbuch der Stadt Zürich 2005/2006. Statistik Stadt Zürich, Zürich Statistik Stadt Zürich (2006) Statistisches Jahrbuch der Stadt Zürich 2005/2006. Statistik Stadt Zürich, Zürich
31.
go back to reference Statistik Stadt Zürich (2008) Statistisches Jahrbuch der Stadt Zürich 2008. Statistik Stadt Zürich, Zürich Statistik Stadt Zürich (2008) Statistisches Jahrbuch der Stadt Zürich 2008. Statistik Stadt Zürich, Zürich
32.
go back to reference Sullivan PM, Knutson JF (2000) Maltreatment and disabilities: a population-based epidemiological study. Child Abuse Negl 24(10):1257–1273CrossRefPubMed Sullivan PM, Knutson JF (2000) Maltreatment and disabilities: a population-based epidemiological study. Child Abuse Negl 24(10):1257–1273CrossRefPubMed
33.
go back to reference Thomas DE, Leventhal JM, Friedlaender E (2001) Referrals to a hospital-based child abuse committee: a comparison of the 1960s and 1990s. Child Abuse Negl 25(2):203–213CrossRefPubMed Thomas DE, Leventhal JM, Friedlaender E (2001) Referrals to a hospital-based child abuse committee: a comparison of the 1960s and 1990s. Child Abuse Negl 25(2):203–213CrossRefPubMed
34.
go back to reference Thun-Hohenstein L (2006) Interdisciplinary child protection team work in a hospital setting. Eur J Pediatr 165(6):402–407CrossRefPubMed Thun-Hohenstein L (2006) Interdisciplinary child protection team work in a hospital setting. Eur J Pediatr 165(6):402–407CrossRefPubMed
35.
go back to reference Vitulano LA, Lewis M, Doran LD et al (1986) Treatment recommendation, implementation, and follow-up in child abuse. Am J Orthopsychiatr 56(3):478–480CrossRef Vitulano LA, Lewis M, Doran LD et al (1986) Treatment recommendation, implementation, and follow-up in child abuse. Am J Orthopsychiatr 56(3):478–480CrossRef
36.
go back to reference Voll P, Jud A, Mey E et al (2008) Zivilrechtlicher Kindesschutz: Akteure, Prozesse, Strukturen. Interact, Luzern Voll P, Jud A, Mey E et al (2008) Zivilrechtlicher Kindesschutz: Akteure, Prozesse, Strukturen. Interact, Luzern
37.
go back to reference Watkins B, Bentovim A (1992) The sexual abuse of male children and adolescents: a review of current research. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 33(1):197–248CrossRefPubMed Watkins B, Bentovim A (1992) The sexual abuse of male children and adolescents: a review of current research. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 33(1):197–248CrossRefPubMed
38.
go back to reference Weber MW (1997) The assessment of child abuse: a primary function of child protective services. In: Helfer ME, Kempe RS, Krugman RS (eds) The battered child. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, pp 120–149 Weber MW (1997) The assessment of child abuse: a primary function of child protective services. In: Helfer ME, Kempe RS, Krugman RS (eds) The battered child. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, pp 120–149
Metadata
Title
Characteristics associated with maltreatment types in children referred to a hospital protection team
Authors
Andreas Jud
Ulrich Lips
Markus A. Landolt
Publication date
01-02-2010
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
European Journal of Pediatrics / Issue 2/2010
Print ISSN: 0340-6199
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1076
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-009-1001-5

Other articles of this Issue 2/2010

European Journal of Pediatrics 2/2010 Go to the issue