Child Maltreatment During COVID-19: Triangulating Data Across Reporting Sources

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic created enormous challenges for families across the United States. Economic concerns related to job loss and unemployment, social isolation and school closures were just some of the stressors facing families and children. Because many of these factors are known correlates of child abuse and neglect, some were concerned that child abuse and neglect would significantly increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. A rigorous and comprehensive systematic review of scientific literature was conducted to triangulate hospital, child welfare, and self-report data on child maltreatment rates during COVID-19. Using PRISMA criteria for conducting systematic reviews, the current study reviewed scientific literature on changes in child maltreatment rates during COVID-19. Of the 4,193 unique studies identified, 73 studies met eligibility criteria. Data from child welfare sources suggested declining child maltreatment immediately after COVID-19 onset, while self-report studies document an increasing trend. Hospital data findings were largely mixed with more studies reporting decreased child maltreatment during COVID-19. Interpretation of child maltreatment surveillance data from COVID-19 must account for evidence from multiple data sources which could affect resulting conclusions.