Stigma toward adult survivors of childhood maltreatment: a scoping review

Despite substantial research on the consequences of either childhood maltreatment or public stigma, no comprehensive review has yet synthesized the existing research regarding the impact of the combination of these issues. We conducted a scoping review to identify specific stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination directed toward adult survivors of childhood maltreatment (ACEs). A total of 35,104 articles were screened, and 11 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. Narrative analysis was used as the method of assessment. Findings suggest public stigma exacerbates maltreatment consequences, indicating the need for targeted individual and public interventions to reduce maltreatment stigma toward adult survivors.