Re-thinking harm and abuse: insights from a lifespan perspective

Authors:
DANIEL Brigid, BOWES Alison
Journal article citation:
British Journal of Social Work, 41(5), July 2011, pp.820-836.
Publisher:
Oxford University Press

The protection of children is a well-studied area, and practice in this area had been transferred to other vulnerable groups. However there has been little research into areas such as significant harm to children, elder abuse and domestic violence though a lifespan approach. This article, drawing on material presented during an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) seminar series, adopts a lifespan view to understanding harm and abuse and explores how this can reveal insights for a more generic understanding and practice in protection services. The article provides varying social constructions and varying recognition of concepts of harm and abuse. It explores responses to harm and abuse, and suggests that formal systems tend to present clear victims and perpetrators. Service categories can be unhelpful as they may not reflect experiences or address the wider contexts in which these are embedded. The lifespan approach provides a means for comparing and contrasting issues raised within specific areas of need and service delivery. It is a viewpoint which raises new questions about understanding harm and abuse and helpful insights which have implications for policy and practice.

Subject terms:
older people, policy, abuse, safeguarding adults, child protection;
Location(s):
United Kingdom
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1468-263X
ISSN print:
0045-3102

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