A collaborative study, led by Dr Laura Cowley from Population Data Science at Swansea University, has developed a standardised definition of child maltreatment for use in research and surveillance.
The study, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, brought together experts and individuals from 34 countries to build consensus on key characteristics of child maltreatment.
Recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a major public health issue, child maltreatment can have severe and lasting effects on physical and mental health, as well as significant financial and societal costs. However, the lack of a consistent definition has made it difficult to measure and compare cases across sectors and countries.
This international study was conducted in collaboration with researchers from the UK and across the EU, as well as experts from the USA, Norway, Switzerland, Ukraine, and Israel. Using Delphi methodology, the research engaged 70 experts across multiple disciplines to develop a consensus-based definition that includes distinctions from violence against children, subtypes of maltreatment, and key characteristics.
Dr Laura Cowley, lead author of the study, said:
“A shared definition of child maltreatment is essential for improving how we measure and record cases. By achieving consensus across a diverse panel of experts, we have taken a vital step towards improving surveillance and interventions that can better protect children at risk.
A standardised approach will improve measurement, support better data recording, and inform the development of more effective services and interventions, ultimately improving public health outcomes for children at risk.”