Childhood maltreatment is a prevalent problem that can cause both short- and long-term adverse effects for child victims, families, communities, and society as a whole. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, maltreatment is defined as any act or failure to act by a parent or other caregiver that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child. Forms of maltreatment include neglect as well as physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Children who have experienced neglect and abuse are at an increased risk for a number of physical, behavioral, and psychological outcomes. These consequences can range from brief to long-lasting and can result in mild, moderate, or severe impairments.

Child, family, and community consequences and associated outcomes of maltreatment vary ...