Co-occurrence of intimate partner violence and child abuse in Hong Kong Chinese families

Abstract

This study examines the prevalence of co-occurrence of intimate partner violence (IPV) and child abuse and neglect (CAN) in a cohort of Chinese parents drawn from a large representative sample in Hong Kong. It also investigates the risk factors for CAN with a special emphasis on the role of IPV. A subsample of 2,363 parents was invited to complete the Conflict Tactics Scale and a demographic questionnaire examining the risk factors for CAN. Results show that among the perpetrators of child maltreatment, 37% and 36%, respectively, admitted they had been perpetrators and victims of IPV over their lifetime. Physical and psychological violence between spouses were the characteristics most significantly associated with child maltreatment. This suggests that intervention for CAN should include an assessment of IPV history. Integrative treatment for children suffering from CAN and interparental violence may be considered in intervention programs to combat CAN and IPV.