Why We Should Study Subabusive Violence Against Children

This article argues that although it is important to study child abuse, it is also important to study and understand ordinary, everyday, subabusive violence against children. Five reasons for studying this issue are discussed; pervasiveness of subabuse, questioning the “natural” protectiveness of human parenting, possible relationship with child abuse, learning and interference of children's learning, and humanitarian concerns. Research in this area is difficult to carry out. New research strategies are needed, and researchers are urged to explore this area.