ABSTRACT
Given the high prevalence of child maltreatment and the seriousness of its consequences, efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect are critical. In addition to the harmful short-term effects of child maltreatment, negative outcomes often persist throughout the remainder of a victim’s life and may even be perpetuated in future generations. Additionally, once child maltreatment has begun, it tends to be a chronic condition that is fairly resistant to intervention efforts. This is often true in regard to both the perpetrator’s behavior and the consequences to the victim. Finally, it is expensive. Costs associated with social welfare services, medical care, and intervention are astronomical and must generally be subsidized through state and federal funding sources.
