The severity, consequences and risk factors of child abuse in China – An empirical Study of 5836 children in China's mid-western regions. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Di, Qi; Yongjie, Wang; Guowei, Wan
• Is Part Of: Children and youth services review. Volume 95(2018)
• Page Start: 290
• Page End: 299
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Child abuse -- Psychological trauma -- Family relationships -- Ethnic minority region; Social work with children -- Periodicals; Social work with youth -- Periodicals; Adolescent -- Periodicals; Child Welfare -- Periodicals; Social Work -- Periodicals; Service social aux enfants -- Périodiques; Service social à la jeunesse -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 362.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.10.039
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0190-7409

Abstract

Abstract: Based on empirical studies of 5836 children in six provinces of China's Mid-Western regions, this paper contributes to existing knowledge by analyzing the severity, consequences and risk factors of child abuse. There are three major findings. Firstly, significant regional disparities of the severity of child abuse exist in China and non-Han ethnic minority regions have higher reported child abuse rate. Secondly, psychological trauma of child abuse is tremendous and children's psychological wellbeing in all domains is seriously affected when suffering from different forms of abuse. Children in poor ethnic minority regions and younger children experience severe trauma consequences. Thirdly, family relationships including the quality of couple relationships and intergenerational relationships are significant risk factors of child abuse, indicating the necessity of improving relationships for addressing child abuse. Implications of the empirical findings for future policies and actions for alleviating child abuse are summarized in the end. Highlights: Significant regional disparities of the severity of child abuse exist in China and non-Han ethnic minority regions have higher reported child abuse rate. Children's psychological wellbeing is affected when being abused. Children in poor ethnic minority regions and younger children experience severe trauma consequences. Family relationships including the quality of couple relationships and intergenerational relationships are significant risk factors of child abuse, indicating the necessity of improving relationships for addressing child abuse.