Typology and Incidence of Child Abuse and Neglect

Abstract

This chapter discusses the types of child abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, and intimate partner violence) and neglect. It begins by examining the varying definitions of child abuse and neglect around Canadian provinces and territories. It examines physical abuse versus corporal punishment and the impact of maltreatment into youth and adulthood. The effects of child abuse and neglect into adolescence and adulthood, as well as its neurological effects, are discussed. The chapter then explores the Canadian Incidence Study, which provides a picture of the occurrence of child abuse and neglect as well as professional and nonprofessional referral sources.