Citation

Hyman CA. Br. J. Soc. Work 1978; 8(2): 171-179.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1978, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a056937

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The results from 85 social work schedules completed at a number of NSPCC units for the treatment of non-accidental injury show that there is a decreasing trend in the seriousness of recent referral injuries and confirms the prevalence of facial bruising. Children under four were those most at risk, the mean age of children being 20 months. Early parenthood appears to be a characteristic of these and other families with the likelihood of larger than average families by the time the family is completed. Maternal ill-health, especially psychological ill-health, is a confirmed finding and general family violence rather than the scapegoating of a single child was frequent. Family disruption was high with separation, housing and employment changes, and previous criminality occurring in a disproportionate number of families.