Abstract
AbstractIn early 2020, the world as we knew it began to change dramatically and rapidly with the COVID-19 outbreak. Social distancing restrictions and lockdown measures have been the most effective course of action and an inarguably imperative approach at this time. However, in trying to keep the global population safe, social distancing measures unwittingly placed children already experiencing maltreatment and disadvantage in harm’s way. This paper will consider the evidence base which attests to the importance of considering theaccumulationof adversity when seeking to understand risk and impact of child maltreatment and disadvantage. Given the unique and unprecedented circumstances which have accompanied the COVID-19 outbreak, and the dearth of research pertaining to the impact of pandemics on child welfare, the paper draws on an emerging body of literature about the effect of natural disasters, conflict and significant global events on child maltreatment. The paper synthesises the research to date in order to call attention to the cumulative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children already experiencing abuse and neglect. The paper concludes with an outline of the implications for practice in the helping professions.
Highlights
In early 2020, the world as we knew it began to change dramatically and rapidly
This perspective is often used to illustrate the sequential pattern of factors which can result in Abusive Head Trauma (AHT), colloquially referred to as Shaken Baby Syndrome
We are all experiencing a crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic, for practitioners, the ‘peak’ will occur as we emerge from isolation and the impact of this time becomes apparent
Summary
Responding to the accumulation of adverse childhood experiences in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic: implications for practice. Received: 5 May 2020 Revised: 12 May 2020 Accepted: May 2020 First published online: June 2020
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