Classification of child abuse by motive and degree rather than type of injury. Issue 2 (1st February 2003)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Southall, D P; Samuels, M P; Golden, M H
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 88:Issue 2(2003)
• Page Start: 101
• Page End: 104
• Publication Date: 2003-02-01
• Subjects: abuse -- injury -- classification; Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/adc.88.2.101
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : The protection of children may be enhanced if ill treatment is classified by motive and degree rather than by type of injury. Four categories are proposed: A, abuse: premeditated ill treatment undertaken for gain by disturbed, dangerous, and manipulative individuals; B, active ill treatment: impulsively undertaken because of socioeconomic pressures, lack of education, resources, and support, or mental illnesses; C, universal mild ill treatment: behaviour undertaken by all normal caring parents in all societies; and D, neglect: defined here as an unintentional failure to supply the child's needs. Such a classification could clarify the procedures for investigation and protection, and support the creation of a Special Interagency Taskforce on Criminal Abuse (SITCA) for those suspected of abuse (category A).