INTERGENERATIONAL INTERCHANGEABLE FORMS OF MALTREATMENT WITHIN FAMILIES

In 2022, there were about 4,276,000 referrals to Child Protective Service (CPS) agencies within the United States in regard to 7,530,000 children (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services 2024: xii). Of these allegations there are 558,899 victims of child maltreatment (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services 2024: xii). One risk factor for child maltreatment is having a caregiver who has experienced victimization. Although there are many other risk factors for child maltreatment, this research highlights a caregiver having been maltreated and then the type of maltreatment experienced (either physical abuse or sexual abuse) as main areas of study. Results highlight that both physical and sexual abuse are found to increase the risk for other forms of maltreatment, while physical abuse increases the risk for both physical abuse and other forms of maltreatment. This research also continues by examining the type of maltreatment experienced and a child’s likelihood to engage in specific types of deviant behavior (petty, non-violent, and violent delinquency). Results show that physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and emotional abuse increase the risk for petty and non-violent delinquency (partaking in criminal actions). Neglect, emotional abuse, and drug or alcohol abuse increase the risk of having been arrested by age 18.