ABSTRACT
This chapter examines major studies on rates of child abuse in stepfamilies, compares theoretical perspectives applied to this issue, and discusses implications for research and practice. Young couples remarrying often form stepfamilies with children from at least one former relationship, and approximately 10 percentage of children live in stepfamilies. Evidence from several studies using reported cases of child abuse indicates that the risk of physical abuse, homicide, neglect, and injuries is significantly higher in stepfamilies than in two-genetic-parent homes. The sexual abuse literature is more consistent than the physical abuse literature in finding that children not living with both natural parents run higher risks of child sexual abuse both from family members and others, but the exact magnitude of reported risk varies across studies. Gender and age do interact with family structure to influence rates of sexual abuse in stepfamilies.
