Citation

Freisthler B, Maguire-Jack K. Child Maltreat. 2015; 20(4): 268-277.

Affiliation

College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1077559515598000

PMID

26251328

Abstract

This article seeks to understand the relative influence of neighborhood structural characteristics (e.g., disadvantage) and social processes (e.g., interactions between residents) on child physical abuse. Using multilevel modeling in a sample of 3,023 parents in 194 zip codes, structural characteristics of factor scores representing residential stability and foreign-born Latino males were negatively related to child physical abuse. High proportions of naturalized and Asian/Pacific Islander families were positively related to the frequency of physical abuse. Higher levels of neighborhood social disorder were related to more frequent physical abuse, while higher levels of collective efficacy were related to less frequent physical abuse. Programs designed to alleviate disorder and increase neighborly interactions may be effective at reducing physical abuse. By understanding the relative importance of the demographic characteristics of neighborhoods and the actions and interactions of residents within the neighborhoods, policy and practice can be tailored more effectively to prevent maltreatment.

Language: en