We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
New directions in intergenerational child maltreatment research and responses: Knowledge gaps and recommendations.
- Authors
McKenzie, Emma F.; Hurren, Emily; Tzoumakis, Stacy; Thompson, Carleen M.; Stewart, Anna
- Abstract
While there is much research on the topic of child maltreatment more broadly in Australia, a nuanced understanding of intergenerational child maltreatment is needed to improve our responses. Little work has considered all four intergenerational patterns of child maltreatment: cycle maintainers (maltreated parents with maltreated children), cycle breakers (maltreated parents with non‐maltreated children), cycle initiators (non‐maltreated parents with maltreated children) and a comparison group (non‐maltreated parents with non‐maltreated children). We use this terminology to maintain consistency with international literature, but acknowledge that these terms minimise the complexity inherent in contact with child protection systems. Research has mainly focused on maintainers, which hinders our ability to appropriately support all families and limits our understanding of individuals breaking the cycle. This paper outlines key knowledge gaps and identifies strategic areas of focus for researchers and policymakers. There is an urgent need for more emphasis on building resilience and strengths, the provision of more integrated and holistic support for families, and consideration of sex differences. We highlight the need for more research on this topic, particularly led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and hope that the recommendations in this paper can be revisited and updated as this important research base grows.
- Subjects
AUSTRALIA; CHILD abuse; INDIGENOUS children; INDIGENOUS Australians; CHILD welfare; ABUSED children
- Publication
Australian Journal of Social Issues (John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ), 2024, Vol 59, Issue 2, p316
- ISSN
0157-6321
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1002/ajs4.281