Cumulative risk and harm: the condition of accumulation in child maltreatment

Cumulative risk and harm: the condition of accumulation in child maltreatment

Children may often be able to overcome and grow from single episodes of maltreatment, however as
these risk factors accumulate, a child’s capacity to endure diminishes (Newman & Blackburn, 2002). This
paper highlights the prevalence of chronicity and multiplicity in maltreatment experiences and the ways in
which these experiences may manifest, as multi type maltreatment, poly-victimisation and re-victimisation
across the life course. The article discusses the reciprocal relationship between risk and harm; and examines
the literature on cumulative risk and cumulative harm and the theoretical frameworks that underpin the notion
of accumulation. The paper argues that cumulative risk and harm need to be embedded in practice and
prioritised in research, across all aspects of the helping professions, in order to turn the tide in our battle to
protect our most vulnerable children and families.

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