Attachment and Child Abuse

Summary Defects in the bonds of attachment between parent and childare put forward as a precursor in cases of child abuse and neglect.It is suggested that therapeutic work with such families shouldbe focussed on the re-establishment or strengthening of thesebonds, if they are found to exist. Ways of determining theirexistence and building upon them are discussed. It is suggested that, with the safeguard of a regular and intensivecontact with the family, separation can often be avoided. Thisallows an immediate start on the basic task of strengtheningthe bond, and avoids weakening it still further as a resultof separation. A case example is given.