Antonia Bifulco and Patricia Moran are both members of the social science team based at the Socio-Medical Research Centre, Royal Holloway, University of London.

All professionals who deem themselves to be advocates for the child have much to learn from the rigorous qualitative research and thought-provoking case histories in this volume. - Community PractitionerHas clear implications for current child care and child protection practice ... is being welcomed by child care professionals. - Community Care

• 1 Introduction: history-taking Part I Neglect 2 Neglect: never truly available 3 Role-reversal: the meanest work of the house 4 Antipathy: ceaseless reprimand Part II Abuse 5 Physical abuse: beyond reasonable chastisement 6 Sexual abuse: shared secrecy and guilt 7 Psychological abuse: hostage to fortune Part III Contexts and outcomes 8 Multiple adversities: stressful family contexts 9 Adult vulnerability: legacy of childhood 10 Resilience: escape from risk 11 Conclusion: the century of the child

Antonia Bifulco and Patricia Moran are both members of the social science team based at the Socio-Medical Research Centre, Royal Holloway, University of London.

All professionals who deem themselves to be advocates for the child have much to learn from the rigorous qualitative research and thought-provoking case histories in this volume. - Community PractitionerHas clear implications for current child care and child protection practice ... is being welcomed by child care professionals. - Community Care

• 1 Introduction: history-taking Part I Neglect 2 Neglect: never truly available 3 Role-reversal: the meanest work of the house 4 Antipathy: ceaseless reprimand Part II Abuse 5 Physical abuse: beyond reasonable chastisement 6 Sexual abuse: shared secrecy and guilt 7 Psychological abuse: hostage to fortune Part III Contexts and outcomes 8 Multiple adversities: stressful family contexts 9 Adult vulnerability: legacy of childhood 10 Resilience: escape from risk 11 Conclusion: the century of the child

Antonia Bifulco and Patricia Moran are both members of the social science team based at the Socio-Medical Research Centre, Royal Holloway, University of London.

All professionals who deem themselves to be advocates for the child have much to learn from the rigorous qualitative research and thought-provoking case histories in this volume. - Community PractitionerHas clear implications for current child care and child protection practice ... is being welcomed by child care professionals. - Community Care

• 1 Introduction: history-taking Part I Neglect 2 Neglect: never truly available 3 Role-reversal: the meanest work of the house 4 Antipathy: ceaseless reprimand Part II Abuse 5 Physical abuse: beyond reasonable chastisement 6 Sexual abuse: shared secrecy and guilt 7 Psychological abuse: hostage to fortune Part III Contexts and outcomes 8 Multiple adversities: stressful family contexts 9 Adult vulnerability: legacy of childhood 10 Resilience: escape from risk 11 Conclusion: the century of the child