Child Maltreatment and Perceived Community Characteristics and Housing Quality by Caregivers

Abstract

The current study examined the association between child maltreatment and community characteristics and housing quality percieved by caregivers. Community characteristics included social disorder, informal control and social cohesion, in addition to proximity to facilities (e.g. parks, gyms, etc.), institutions (social work agencies) and public transportation. Also, various caregiver and family characteristics were included in the model as control variables. The sample included 3,091 mothers who participated in 2013 National Survey on Children’s Life. Descriptive analysis, bivariate analysis and logistic regression analysis were used. The results showed that 1) physical abuse was associated with housing quality; 2) that emotional abuse was less likely with high informal control and proximity to social work agencies, but more likely with proximity to public transportation; 3) that neglect was less likely with low social disorder and proximity to public transportation, but more likely with high informal control. Mothers’ depression and parenting stress were associated with all three types of child maltreatment. It was discussed how to prevent child maltreatment using community organization and housing improvement programs.