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Abstract: 

Why does child maltreatment sometimes become deadly? Does fatal child abuse differ from the non-lethal variety or is it simply a matter of degree? Is fatal abuse or fatal neglect more likely to occur? And what are the most common characteristics of victims and perpetrators? The author of this article seeks to tackle these difficult questions and more. She specifically identifies which children are most vulnerable, what type of parent is most likely to perpetrate, and what are the psychosocial risk factors that can lead to fatal abuse. She also describes the various types of professional responses that prevent fatal abuse, or effectively investigate and prosecute it once it occurs.

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Affiliations:  1: Department of Social Work, Bridgewater State College.