The need for public health actions to mitigate consequences of child maltreatment among adults in the community

Background: Child maltreatment (CM) is recognized as a major risk factor for poor physical and mental health across the lifespan. However, there is a lack of knowledge on how to mitigate CM consequences among adults in the
community. Method: Using the Delphi method, we screened opinions among 60 European experts about the need of public health actions to reduce the consequences of CM in adults. Screened topics included intervention strategies,
target groups, methods of implementation, benefits and potential risks. Results: 57 participants recognized the need to develop public health interventions. The increase of social awareness was the most endorsed strategy. Individuals
identified during childhood as abused or neglected, families with problems of domestic violence and institutions providing mental health care services were selected as the priority target groups. Participants regarded the
prevention of CM intergenerational transmission as the principal advantage, and the promotion of victim status as a potential risk. Conclusions: The increase of social awareness was found to be the preferred strategy, but there is the
risk to promote the victim status. Public health actions to mitigate CM consequences among adults are needed, but they should be carefully planned in order to avoid potential risks. Further work with Delphi participants might shed
light on this issue.