Molnar, B., Goerge, R., Gilsanz, P., Hill, A., Subramanian, S.V., Holton, J., Duncan, D., Beatriz, E. & Beardslee, W. (2016). Neighborhood-level social processes and substantiated cases of child maltreatment. Child Abuse & Neglect, 51, 41-53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2015.11.007
This study of Chicago neighbourhoods found lower rates of substantiated neglect, physical abuse and sexual abuse in neighbourhoods with stronger collective efficacy, more intergenerational ties, larger social networks and less disorder, even after accounting for poverty and crime. Collective efficacy and social networks were also linked to fewer substance-exposed infants. The findings suggest that strengthening protective neighbourhood factors may prevent maltreatment more effectively than focusing only on individuals and families.