There are few research reports of the experience of multiple forms of child
abuse and neglect (multi-type maltreatment). A critical review is presente
d of 29 studies in which adult retrospective reports of more than one form
of child maltreatment (sexual abuse, physical abuse, psychological maltreat
ment, neglect, or witnessing family violence) are assessed. Empirical inves
tigations of the extent and impact of multi-type maltreatment are identifie
d. Data on the relationship between the different forms of maltreatment and
the adjustment problems associated with each type of maltreatment are crit
iqued. As well as using dichotomous measures of maltreatment, an important
methodological problem was the failure of researchers to assess all child m
altreatment types, the relationship between multi-type maltreatment and adj
ustment, and the role of variables influencing the occurrence or impact of
maltreatment. Considerable overlap was found in the occurrence of maltreatm
ent types. The compounding or interacting effects of experiencing multi-typ
e maltreatment were ignored in many studies. Where an assessment was made o
f the specific impact of multi-type maltreatment, it was associated with gr
eater impairment than single forms of abuse or neglect. A multidimensional
approach to prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect is required
in which children's vulnerability to multi-type maltreatment is addressed.
(C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.