Unpublished report for the Family Violence Advisory Committee.

This report explores the psychological abuse and neglect of children. The author contends that not enough attention and resources are directed to these forms of abuse, especially considering the impact this maltreatment has on a child's health, mental health, development and behaviour. Neglect and psychological abuse are often accepted as the norm in the family or culture the child grows up in. The author suggests these forms of abuse are frequently overlooked by professionals, and recommends assessing for neglect and psychological maltreatment when investigating sexual and physical abuse. A clear definition of neglect and psychological abuse is required so that practitioners have a baseline against which to measure children's expected developmental milestones. The author identifies several risk factors for neglect and psychological abuse, including poverty and parental problems, and the witnessing of psychological violence. Recommendations include greater interdisciplinary coordination to ensure accurate assessments to inform intervention plans, and a multi-sector approach for the sharing of resources and effective prevention and intervention modalities. Furthermore, the author urges for more research to be conducted in New Zealand surrounding the neglect and psychological abuse of children.