Abstract
ABSTRACT Definitions of the physical, sexual, and psychological abuse of children were assessed in a sample of mental health and legal professionals. Forty-eight social workers and 33 attorneys rated 39 items describing various parental behaviors that were potentially abusive. The results indicated that: (a) severity ratings were highest for sexual abuse, followed by physical and emotional abuse; (b) the social workers rated several parental behaviors as more abusive than did the attorneys; and (c) items that included physical or emotional consequence to the child often were regarded as more abusive. Implications of the findings for research and training are considered.
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