The Relationship Between Poverty, Child Abuse and Neglect: An Evidence Review.

This report identifies and discusses evidence about the relationship between poverty and child abuse and neglect. It explores the economic costs of child abuse and neglect and outlines broad policy implications, with a particular focus on the United Kingdom. Specifically, the report outlines evidence from the United Kingdom and other countries about the association between family poverty and child abuse and neglect; evidence from the United Kingdom and other countries about the impact of childhood abuse or neglect on poverty in adulthood; evidence about the costs of child abuse and neglect; strengths and weaknesses in the evidence base; and implications for policy-making. The report concludes that there is a lack of agreement and action about poverty and child abuse and neglect in the United Kingdom, there is a limited United Kingdom evidence base, both in terms of official data and research, and that lessening family poverty across the population is likely to have a positive effect on reducing both the extent and severity of child abuse and neglect in childhood, on the socioeconomic consequences of child abuse and neglect in adult life, and on the wider economic costs. The need for policies to use a multi-dimensional approach that addresses the underlying causes as well symptoms and multiple impacts of poverty on family life is emphasized. 5 tables and numerous references.