Describe the four main types of maltreatment. Why do you think rates of maltreatment are highest for children under 1? The graph in your textbook shows the highest reported rates among Native Americans and African Americans

Question

Give two reasons why these ethnic differences may occur. Be sure to keep in mind that not all maltreatment is reported.

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Include explanations of the following forms of maltreatment:
--physical is abuse that causes physical harm to a child
--neglect is failure to provide for a child's basic physical, education, or psychological needs
--sexual is abuse that includes fondling a child's genitals or breasts, intercourse or other sexual acts, exposing the child to indecent acts or involving the child in pornography
--psychological is abuse that includes verbal putdowns and other behavior that terrorizes, threatens, rejects or isolates the child
Why is maltreatment highest in infants?
--stress of being a new parent
--infants require more care than older children
--other people may be more likely to report maltreatment in infants than in older children
Why are there ethnic differences?
--higher levels of stress in minorities
--minorities experience more poverty and lack of support
--cultural traditions in some ethnic groups of physical punishment
--professionals who work with children may be more likely to report abuse in minority families