The Impact of Child Abuse in Community Institutions and Organizations: Advancing Professional and Scientific Understanding

Although child abuse by family members has received considerable scientific and professional attention, knowledge on the impact of abuse committed by perpetrators in (nonfamilial) community organizations and institutions is lacking. We present a conceptual framework derived from child abuse studies, the authors’ collective clinical experience with adult survivors of nonfamilial abuse, and two independent panels of abuse survivors, practitioners, and researchers familiar with the impact of such abuse. The framework identifies abuse‐related factors that contribute to harmful outcomes, and dimensions of harm associated with such acts. Implications of the conceptual framework are discussed in relation to professional education and practice guidelines, policy and prevention initiatives, and research needs.