Incorporating Health and Behavioral Consequences of Child Abuse in Prevention Programs Targeting Female Adolescents

The health & behavioral consequences of child abuse were examined among 263 parenting & 257 never-pregnant teens. Both groups identified suicide, prostitution, school drop-out, crime & substance abuse as major consequences of abuse. The consequences of abuse may make adolescents vulnerable to abusing their own children as well as interfering with their psychosocial development. It is recommended that health & behavioral issues be integrated into child abuse prevention programs. (31 refs.)