Mitigar: Consequences of child maltreatment in adults in Portugal and public health actions

Mitigar - Research initiative
Public Health Actions to Reduce the Consequences of Childhood Maltreatment
among Adults in the Community

Introduction
Childhood maltreatment has been linked to poor long-term health outcomes. Therapeutic protocols are available for affected children, adolescents and adults. However, preventive programs are scarcely implemented. We lack knowledge about cost-effective actions to mitigate the consequences of childhood maltreatment among adults in the community. The increased risk for illness and the large economical costs related with childhood maltreatment justifies a Public Health approach.

Goals
To study the need and adequacy of public health actions for adults in the community exposed to childhood maltreatment.
Discuss assessment and disease prevention strategies, that may be applied in a cost-benefit effective perspective.

Method
We will ask the opinion of at least 50 professionals working in the field of childhood maltreatment consequences in adults or related issues, based on the Delphi method.

Expected results
To obtain consensual opinions about the need of a public health approach to diminish the consequences of childhood maltreatment in adults.
Develop a set of guidelines for the assessment and intervention in a public health perspective based on the results of the professional and expert opinions.