Analyzing Child Abuse and Neglect Literature Through a Social Work Perspective: A Global Bibliometric and Thematic Review (2000–2025)
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By
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Fatih Cebeci
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July 20, 2026
Clinical Report: Analyzing Child Abuse and Neglect Literature Through a Social Work Perspective
Overview
This study provides a bibliometric mapping of child neglect and abuse literature from 2000 to 2025, revealing significant growth in research output and a shift towards system-oriented themes.
Background
Child neglect and abuse are critical global issues impacting children's wellbeing, with long-term consequences for mental and physical health. The World Health Organization defines child maltreatment broadly, emphasizing the need for prevention-oriented responses within public health and social service systems.
Data Highlights
| Year | Publications |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 109 |
| 2025 | 362 |
Key Findings
- Publication output increased from 109 in 2000 to 362 in 2025.
- Collaboration is concentrated in high-income countries, particularly the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
- Conceptual mapping shows a stable core around child abuse, with a shift towards themes like child welfare and protection.
- Foster care is identified as a prominent theme, while juvenile justice is noted as a niche theme.
Clinical Implications
The study underscores the need for interdisciplinary research and practice-oriented knowledge translation in child welfare. It highlights the importance of understanding child maltreatment within the context of social work to inform effective interventions and policies.
Conclusion
The findings indicate that the field of child abuse and neglect research is expanding and increasingly focusing on welfare and protection systems.
Related Resources & Content
- BMJ Paediatrics Open, 2023 -- Mapping the global prevalence and socioecological drivers of child sexual abuse: a systematic review and synthesis
- Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Global research landscape, knowledge structure, and emerging trends in adverse childhood experiences and personality disorders: a bibliometric analysis
- JAMA Network Open, 2023 -- Childhood Maltreatment and Adult Multimorbidity
- Frontiers in Pediatrics — Exploring intergenerational risk factors and mediators for child abuse potential in high-risk parents of young children
- WHO Technical Report on Child Maltreatment
- NICE Guidelines on Child Maltreatment
- AAP Technical Report on Abusive Head Trauma
- Single Bruise Characteristics Associated With Abusive vs Accidental Injury | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
- Effectiveness of Parenting Programs in Preventing Child Maltreatment: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials - Anaïs Quiroga-Carrillo, Tania Ramos-García, Mar Lorenzo Moledo, Alexandra M. Rodríguez Gil, 2026
- Interventions for expectant and new parents designed to prevent child abuse and neglect in at-risk families: Systematic review and meta-analysis - ScienceDirect
- Final Recommendation Statement: Prevention of Child Maltreatment: Primary Care Interventions | United States Preventive Services Taskforce
- Validation of a Clinical Decision Rule to Predict Abuse in Young Children Based on Bruising Characteristics | Pediatrics | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network
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