Child Abuse

What do we mean by the all-embracing, all-encompassing term of child abuse?

The Dutch have a better name for it. They call it kindermishandeling or mishandling of children.

The name of an entity often gives a hint of how we feel about it. For "mishandling" suggests an incorrect, inexperienced, almost innocent but misguided approach by parents towards their children which may be eminently amenable to correction without condemnation. This is indeed how the Dutch regard the problem. In the Netherlands, the aim is to set things right. To keep the family intact. To restore the family to normality. To bring healing. To help the parents and children come together. To create unity where there was disunity. To provide practical help. To give encouragement. Part V deals with the Dutch experience.

In Britain and America, "child abuse" has, in contrast, a different connotation. It suggests a harder, harsher, less forgiving approach by the caring professions. Indeed, this book shows that not all is well in the field of child abuse in the Anglo-Saxon world.