Defining child maltreatment for research and surveillance: an international, multi-sectoral, Delphi consensus study in 34 countries in Europe and surrounding regions.

ABSTRACT: Child maltreatment is a complex public health issue that has consequences across the life-course. Studies to quantify child maltreatment and identify interventions and services are constrained by a lack of uniform definitions. We conducted a European Delphi study to reach consensus on types and characteristics of child maltreatment for use in surveillance and research. Statements were developed following a scoping review and identification of key concepts by an international expert team (n = 19). A multidisciplinary expert panel (n = 70) from 34 countries completed three rounds of an online survey. We defined consensus as ≥70% agreement or disagreement with each statement after the final round. Consensus was reached on 26/31 statements (participant retention rate 94%). From the statements,

SUBMITTER: Cowley LE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11840198 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature