Intrafamilial abuse is the term given to maltreatment of children within a family unit or setting. It is a broad term that can incorporate many different forms of abuse including sexual, physical and emotional abuse, domestic violence - including the effects of a child witnessing it - and neglect linked to parental social and health problems. It can also incorporate abuse by children and young people on siblings, and on rare occasions a child physically abusing a parent (see research evidence).
The impact of childhood intrafamilial abuse can be significant and long-lasting, damaging children's educational attainment and mental health, as well as affecting their ability to form long-term, healthy relationships in adulthood.
The scale of intrafamilial abuse is difficult to assess. However, research suggests a significant proportion of child sexual abuse victims are abused by a family member or a close friend of the family, while one in five children witness domestic abuse.
Encouraging children to disclose abuse when it happens is particularly challenging when the abuser is a family member. It is why it is so vital for professionals to build trusting relationships with children.
CYP Now's special report on intrafamilial child abuse summarises key policy in this area, highlights latest research and assesses four examples of innovative practice.
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