Based on interviews, it may be the case that some reports of abuse are recorded as neglect so families avoid criminal prosecution. A conclusive link between poverty and maltreatment, however, is difficult to pin down. As Waldfogel suggested, it could be that underlying factors, like substance abuse or mental health issues, contribute to both poverty and child maltreatment. There may also be reporting bias. Professionals are more likely to report maltreatment if they are told the family is low-income Low social capital, as Runyan reported, is one of the strongest predictors of abuse and neglect.
Maternal support is one of the strongest protective factors.
Child Neglect is characterized by failure to provide for the child's basic needs. Sexual Abuse includes fondling a child's genitals, intercourse, incest, rape, sodomy, exhibitionism, and commercial exploitation through prostitution or the production of pornographic materials . Although still high, recent trends in abuse and neglect are encouraging. Between 1990 and 1993, the rate of child maltreatment nationally rose from 13.4 per 1,000 children to 15.3. In 1998, the rate had declined to 12.9 per 1,000 children.