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Citation
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Figueiredo B, Bifulco A, Paiva C, Maia, Fernandes E, Matos R. Child Abuse Negl. 2004; 28(6): 671-684. |
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Abstract
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OBJECTIVE: The study examines the self-reported prevalence of childhood physical and sexual abuse in a large sample of Portuguese parents.
METHOD: Nearly 1,000 parents (506 mothers and 426 fathers) were selected through public primary schools from the Northern area of Portugal. All completed the Portuguese version of the Childhood History Questionnaire (CHQ) [Journal of Family Violence 5 (1990) 15].
RESULTS: Results show that the prevalence of abuse was 73%, but more severe physical abuse involving sequelae/injury was reported by 9.5%. Most physical abuses began prior to age 13, with half continuing after age 13. No gender differences were found for rates of physical abuse. However, among the milder physical abuse without sequelae/injury, those women who experienced "whipping" or "slapping/kicking" were more likely to do so from their mothers than fathers. Among men who were "slapped/kicked" this was more likely to be from their fathers. Low rates of sexual abuse were found at 2.6% with no gender or age differences. Lack of a supportive adult in childhood related to the more severe abuses, but only in adolescence. Portuguese rates of abuse were consistently lower than those reported in USA and Spanish studies using the CHQ.
CONCLUSIONS: This is the first retrospective, self-report study of childhood abuse in a large sample of Portuguese parents and, even with a participation rate of 69%, shows lower rates than in US and Spanish samples. (Abstract Adapted from Source: Child Abuse & Neglect, 2004. Copyright © 2004 by Elsevier Science)
Foreign Countries
Portugal
Adult Male
Adult Father
Adult Female
Adult Mother
Adult Parent
Adult Survivor
Child Abuse Victim
Child Abuse Incidence and Prevalence
Child Physical Abuse Victim
Child Physical Abuse Incidence and Prevalence
Child Sexual Abuse Victim
Child Sexual Abuse Incidence and Prevalence
Domestic Violence Victim
Domestic Violence Incidence and Prevalence
Sexual Assault Female
Sexual Assault Victim
Childhood Victimization
Childhood Experience
Child Victim
Child Female
Child Male
Male Victim
Female Victim
Victimization Incidence and Prevalence
07-05 |