re: male vs. female abuse towards children

[Jennifer Taub <jtaub@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

As was pointed out, the statistics posted do show a near 50/50 split in
the perpetration of physical abuse by women and men.  However, women in
general spend many more hours with children than do men, as primary
caretakers, single parents, caregivers and teachers.  Given the increased
opportunities to potentially commit acts of physical abuse, it would
suggest that men are still more (probably much more) likely to perpetrate
acts of physical abuse.  I would actually expect the numbers to be even
higher for women given the higher likelihood of being facing with
challenging behavior of children.

- Jennifer

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Jennifer Taub, Ph.D.
Children's Hospital - Fegan 8
300 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA  02130
Phone: (617) 355-6940
Fax: (617) 734-2663