Public Opinion and Behaviors Regarding Child Abuse Prevention: 1999 Survey

Nov 01, 1999 | by
  • Description

Since 1986, Prevent Child Abuse America has commissioned national public opinion polls to determine the public's attitudes and actions with respect to child abuse prevention. Each year, the survey has sought to identify shifts in public attitudes and behaviors in four areas: the public's attitudes toward specific parenting behaviors; the frequency of various discipline practices; the public's optimism toward and involvement in child abuse prevention; and the extent to which parents reported the receipt of home visitation and other supportive services around the birth of their children. In addition, each survey has included a small number of unique questions regarding the perceived efficacy of various child welfare policies or prevention strategies. The consistency of this survey effort both in its application and measurement strategies offers a unique data source for addressing the impacts of public education efforts over time and for monitoring how public attitudes and perceptions have been altered. This report examines trends observed in public perceptions of corporal punishment, parental discipline practices, the public's perception of and involvement in child abuse prevention, and the use and support of home visitation services.