ABSTRACT
To suggest that there has been an explosion in the theoretical, practice, and research literature in the field of child abuse is an understatement. The past decade has witnessed a concerted and broadly based professional and community attack on family violence and, in particular, child abuse. The research literature reflects agreement that the problem is complex and controversial. However, agreement regarding definition, incidence, means of prevention and treatment remains elusive. The nature of the problem of child abuse understandably creates divisions among different disciplines, services, professionals, victims, parents, and individuals alike. Child abuse issues challenge our professional beliefs and loyalties. As professionals, the challenge is to become more knowledgeable and secure in our understanding of the conditions that foster child abuse in order to provide the foundation for treatment, education, and prevention.
