Attitudes of the Singapore public to actions suggesting child abuse

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

28 Scopus Citations
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Author(s)

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)445-464
Journal / PublicationChild Abuse and Neglect
Volume21
Issue number5
Publication statusPublished - May 1997
Externally publishedYes

Abstract

Objective: The aim was to ascertain the views of the Singapore public on the acceptability of actions of an abusive nature. Method: In-depth interviews were carried out with 401 randomly sampled respondents in relation to a range of actions. Questions were asked concerning the acceptability of 18 actions, whether circumstances might justify eight of them, how respondents felt about reporting child abuse and whether they could recall any case they had come across. Results: Respondents strongly disapproved of sexually motivated acts, and were more disapproving of physical abuse or neglect than of emotional abuse or neglect. Circumstances did affect how the less extreme actions were viewed. Respondents supported reporting child abuse, but were somewhat against mandatory reporting. They were able to recall details of a number of possible cases. Conclusion: We argue that definitions of child abuse would be generated and not tied to specific actions, since the effect of actions may vary across cultures, and should be treated as an empirical matter. This allows a research agenda that focuses on the consequences of actions rather than issues of definition.

Research Area(s)

  • Attitudes, Child abuse, Child maltreatment, Definitions, Singapore

Bibliographic Note

Publication details (e.g. title, author(s), publication statuses and dates) are captured on an “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” basis at the time of record harvesting from the data source. Suggestions for further amendments or supplementary information can be sent to [email protected].

Citation Format(s)

Attitudes of the Singapore public to actions suggesting child abuse. / Elliott, J. M.; Tong, C. K.; Tan, Patricia M. E. H.
In: Child Abuse and Neglect, Vol. 21, No. 5, 05.1997, p. 445-464.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review