In recent years, the number of proven cases of child abuse and neglect has considerably grown in Guadalajara -the second largest metropolis in Mexico. Its increase has been a response to an improved registration to the cases and an increased family and community participation in its reporting, particulary to DIF (public institution that provides social assistance to families). Moreover, it has been documented the relation that exists between intrinsic and extrinsic factors of the family with child maltreatment. Thus, it is assumed that factors like poverty and overcrowding are materialized in a defined geographical space that reflects the social inequality existing in the city; this way would be possible to identify the existence of child abuse high risk areas. This study seeks to define the areas of Guadalajara where the cases of child maltreatment more frequently occurs and verify that the areas where child abuse and neglect frequently occurs are the same where conditions of poverty and overcrowding prevails. The maltreated children address' were identified through their files in DIF; and located in the AGEB (data of geo-statistical area) obtained from the Census Office, then the child maltreatment cases-area were mapped. Finally we compared the child maltreatment's map with the poverty and overcrowding distribution and a concordance was observed between them. The paper shows the geographical areas considered in high risk and encouraged the DIF to develop preventive programs and to give a specific social support to families in deprived conditions that live in those areas to reduce child maltreatment.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1.Recognize, in an ecological level, the relation between social disparities and child maltreatment in Guadalajara, Mexico. 2.Analyze the role of the socioeconomic context in the prevalence of child abuse and neglect in deprived areas. 3.Discuss the institutions' strategies to face the problem of child maltreatment in deprived areas and seek solutions
Keywords: Children, Violence
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.