Disclosure of Child Physical Abuse and Perceived Adult Support among Swedish Adolescents

Compared to child sexual abuse (CSA), little is known about disclosure of child physical abuse (CPA). Enhancing the understanding of the characteristics of disclosure is necessary for improved child protection. The aim of the present study was to examine disclosure of CPA and perceived adult support using both quantitative and qualitative data from a survey of child maltreatment carried out among a nationally representative sample of Swedish adolescents (n = 3202). We found that adolescents who experienced any child maltreatment (CPA, emotional abuse, neglect and witnessing intimate partner violence) were less likely to be able to identify an adult confidant compared to those without a history of abuse. Among the adolescents who reported severe CPA, 52 per cent had disclosed the abuse and the most frequent recipient of disclosure was a peer or sibling. Eleven per cent had disclosed to professionals within school, child protective services or law enforcement. Lack of trust in adults appeared to be the most prominent reason for non‐disclosure. Several adolescents who had disclosed abuse to professionals perceived an ineffective response, primarily because of professionals' lack of a child perspective. Some respondents experienced supportive interventions, specifically from school social workers. These patterns showed close similarity to disclosure of CSA. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. ‘Enhancing the understanding of the characteristics of disclosure is necessary for improved child protection’ Key Practitioner Messages Many adolescents have experienced CPA and few seek the attention of professionals. Adolescents who have experienced any child maltreatment tend to lack trust in adults. Peers have a key role to play in facilitating early disclosure of abuse. Professionals need to address the perception among adolescents who have experienced child maltreatment that child protection systems are not child centred. Hands‐on, community‐based interventions that engage peers, parents and professionals are needed in order to address the under-reporting of CPA.