Cumulative stress and substantiated maltreatment: The importance of caregiver vulnerability and adult partner violence

In this study, an analysis of child protection investigations across Canada found that caregiver substance abuse was the strongest single caregiver vulnerability predicting whether abuse or neglect was substantiated, but the total number of vulnerabilities was the best predictor overall, especially for neglect, and partner violence in the home made the effect stronger. The authors conclude that caregiver problems and partner violence should be considered together and are key targets for preventing maltreatment and for early intervention.