Setting the subject in its historical, social and political context, this text provides a concise but comprehensive guide to current knowledge about child abuse. In recognizing the volume of recent literature on child abuse, the author seeks to cut through the rhetoric and examine the knowledge base that can help us understand the ways in which we respond to the phenomenon of child abuse. The book aims to enable practitioners and students who are working or intending to work in the child protection field to weigh up the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of debates and contributions to the issue of child abuse. The author presents both theoretical and practical information, from a range of sources and disciplines, including history, sociology, social policy, psychology and philosophy.