Interplay between Risk Factors
As was mentioned earlier, child maltreatment is a result of a complex process, perhaps even several processes, of interplays and influences of various risk factors, across the dimensions described. Several questions come to mind and demand a very careful consideration. First, what is the specific weight or contribution of each factor in a given time, in the process of turning a potential into actual child maltreatment? Second, it is thought today that the potential for child maltreatment increases when there is an accumulation of risk factors (the dose theory). Are there specific combinations of risk factors within one dimension or across the four dimensions, that should alert us? Third, in addition to the above we need to ask whether there are unique and differential combinations of risk factors which are linked to and perhaps predictive of the different forms of child maltreatment. Fourth, we have also to consider whether an existing risk factor is transient and short-term stress, or is it of a long-term, chronic nature. What does this mean in terms of the potentials for child maltreatment? Fifth, our assessment of a specific family in a specific family in a given situation should not be focused only on risk factors. Rather, we need to look for strength, resiliency and existing support, which may serve as a balance, even a buffer against abuse. And the last point relates to our assessment and ways of prevention and intervention with high risk families. The processes of professional trainings of the various disciplines focus and emphasize different viewpoints. Furthermore, the goals and the structures of the settings where we practice may often limit the scope of our understanding of the problem. In order to deepen and refine our appreciation of the complex processes, by which the various risk factors interrelate, we need an ongoing exchange of ideas and observations across professional disciplines.
From ISPCAN's Link newsletter, Volume 9, Number 1 1999.