Physical or sexual abuse cases were analyzed to estimate the frequency and severity of child abuse committed by 1,165 individuals in nonparental caregiving roles. While caregiver age did not have a consistent effect on occurrence of physical abuse, notable differences between adolescents and adults were found in sexual abuse. (Author/JDD)

Using data from interviews with single mothers and records of child abuse, mothers' boyfriends' overrepresentation in child abuse was traced to five conditions, including the single parent situation, their gender, the absence of genetic relationship to the children, perceived illegitimacy as caregivers and family members, and rivalry with the…

Examination of case records documenting sexual abuse of 171 children by 148 uncles revealed that female children were 4 times more likely to be victimized than males. About 19% of the abusive uncles lived with the children they abused, and most of the remainder came into contact with them as child-care providers or during overnight visits.…

Study of 95 case records of sexually abusive grandparents determined that virtually all perpetrators are male, the vast majority of victims are female, a large share of abusive grandfathers appear to also have been sexually abusive fathers, and stepgrandchildren appear to experience greater risk. Explicit threats and overt physical assault were…