First published in 1996. With so much information available today in the area of child abuse, figuring out where to begin quickly becomes overwhelming. But the Spectrum of Child Abuse stands out from current literature in its comprehensiveness and balance. Dr. Oates presents a detailed, thoroughly referenced overview of the entire field- rather than focusing exclusively on one particular professional viewpoint or facet of the problem. The chapters encompass physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. For each of these areas, the text offers a clear historical perspective in addition to pertinent data on incidence and epidemiology, contributing factors, assessment, treatment and prevention. Moreover, a wealth of case studies underscores the important and meaning of various intervention strategies.

As a supportive reference tool, this book is for advanced clinical students and professionals in a variety of disciplines whose work involves interdependent aspects of dealing with child maltreatment. In essence, a "mini-library" is made available for quick access to timeless core research vital to the assessment, management, treatment, and prosecution of current cases. Selected with the help of leaders in the field, these 25 influential contributions about child abuse are presented along with the editors? commentaries and brief descriptive statements from prominent national and international investigators. The introductory comments inform readers why the research was so important at the time of publication and what the implications of the work are for practice today. Students, researchers, advocates, mental health practitioners, and libraries will benefits from such a well thought-out compilation that facilitates the understanding of critical research of the past pertinent to current practice.

With so much information available today in the area of child abuse, figuring out where to begin quickly becomes overwhelming. But The Spectrum of Child Abuse stands out from the current literature in its comprehensiveness and balance. Dr Oates presents a detailed, thoroughly referenced overview of the entire field, rather than focusing exclusively on one particular professional viewpoint or facet of the problem.
The chapters encompass physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. For each of these areas, the text offers a clear historical perspective in addition to pertinent data on incidence and epidemiology, contributing factors, assessment, treatment and prevention. Moreover, a wealth of case studies underscores the importance and meaning of various intervention strategies.
Clearly, child abuse is an area that demands attention. We need to find ways to care for the children themselves, and we need to be able to identify the long-term consequences for both family and society if we are to intervene effectively. Even with progress to date, the work remaining to be done is formidable. With The Spectrum of Child Abuse, clinicians and caregivers at every level have an easily accessible, straightforward discussion that will serve as the foundation for a new generation of investigations.

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