Victimization by Caregivers: Prevalence and Risk Factors in Chilean Childrens and Adolescents

This study examined the prevalence and risk factors associated to victimization by caregivers in a national large sample of Chilean children and adolescents. 19,687 children and adolescents aged 12–17, obtained by random probability sampling of 699 publics schools of Chile were surveyed by trained interviewers. Victimization by Caregivers was evaluated through the one module of Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire (JVQ). The prevalence (12 months) for physical abuse were (12.9%), for emotional abuse (27.9%), neglect (5.3%) and parental interference (3.5%). The results suggest as risk factors, sex, age, migration status, disability, geographical location and type of school. The findings highlight the urgent need to address the issue of child maltreatment and victimization by caregiver´s in the Chilean society and minimize its impact