Epidemiologic Features of the Physical and Sexual Maltreatment of Children in the Carolinas (original) (raw)

Context. Child maltreatment remains a significant public health and social problem in the United States. Incidence data rely on substantiated reports of maltreatment known to official social service agencies. Objective. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiologic features of child physical and sexual abuse, on the basis of maternal self-reports. Design, Setting, and Participants. Computer-assisted, anonymous, cross-sectional, telephone surveys (N = 1435) were conducted with mothers of children 0 to 17 years of age in North and South Carolina. Mothers were asked about potentially abusive behaviors used by either themselves or their husbands or partners in the context of other disciplinary practices. They were also asked about their knowledge of any sexual victimization their children might have experienced. Main Outcome Measures. The incidence of physical and sexual maltreatment determined through maternal reports. Results. Use of harsh physical discipline, equivale...