, 2009). Not surprisingly, many child abuse victims consistently show poor academic performance and are more likely to have lower educational achievements than their non-abused peers (Lansford et al., 2002; Perez & Widom, 1994, in Gilbert et al., 2009). They are more likely to receive special education as well (Jonson-Reid et al., in Gilbert et al., 2009). Consequently, many of them end up in menial and semi-skilled employment, both of which have long-lasting economic consequences for the affected individuals (Gilbert et al., 2009).

In light of the high burden and serious long-term consequences of child abuse, the need for effective intervention programs cannot be overemphasized. A broad range of these currently exists, but with a few exceptions, their effectiveness is still unknown. However, there are two outstanding programs that have been widely recognized, especially for preventing physical abuse and neglect. These are the Nurse-Family Relationship (NFP) and Early Start programs (Macmillan et al., 2009; Prinze, 2008). Both have early childhood programming and as such, their emphasis is on strengthening parenting practices and confidence, not only to prevent child abuse but social and behavioral problems in children as well (Prinze, 2008). Both are also home visitation programs delivered by especially trained nurses and/or family support workers to first time, socially-disadvantaged, and other high-risk mothers and families, with emphasis on pre-natal, post-natal, and health-related coaching (Prinze, 2008). The NFP and Early Start have consistently performed to reduce rates in reported cases of physical abuse and child neglect while giving additional benefits on maternal and child health (Macmillan, 2008; Macmillan et al., 2009).

In summary, the long-term consequences of child abuse on social behavior, mental health, academic performance, and future employment are grave enough to warrant investment in early...

The success of the Nurse-Family Relationship and Early Start Programs in reducing the rates of reported physical and child neglect abuse cases suggests that home visitation or associated programs could be a significant approach to impact the prevention of other types of child abuse.
References

Fagan, Abigail a. (2005). The Relationship between Adolescent Physical Abuse and Criminal Offending: Support for an Enduring and Generalized Cycle of Violence. Journal of Family Violence, 20(5), 279-290. Retrieved May 13, 2009, from Academic Research Library database. (Document ID: 957789611).

Gilbert, Ruth, Cathy Spatz Widom, Kevin Browne, David Fergusson, Elspeth Webb,

Staffan Janson. (2009). Burden and consequences of child maltreatment in high-income countries. The Lancet, 373(9657), 68-81. Retrieved May 13, 2009, from Academic

Research Library database. (Document ID: 1627420331).

Grassi-Oliveira, Rodrigo, Lilian Milnitsky Stein. (2008). Childhood maltreatment associated with PTSD and emotional distress in low-income adults: The burden of neglect. Child Abuse & Neglect, 32(12), 1089. Retrieved May 13, 2009, from Academic Research Library database. (Document ID: 1634322831).

Gonzalez, a. And HL MacMillan. (2008). Preventing child maltreatment: an evidence-based update. J. Postgrad Med. 54(4):280-6. Retrieved May 13, 2009, from PubMed database

(Document ID: 18953147).

MacMillan, Harriet, C Nadine Wathen, Jane Barlow, David M. Fergusson, John M. Leventhal, Heather N. Taussig. (2009). Interventions to prevent child maltreatment and associated impairment. The Lancet, 373(9659), 250-66. Retrieved May 13, 2009, from Academic Research Library database. (Document ID: 1634514051).

Putman, Stacie E. (2009). The Monsters in My Head: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and the Child Survivor of Sexual Abuse.…