This special issue was designed to explore the role of health care professionals in the assessment, treatment, and prevention of child maltreatment. The initial five articles were solicited to enhance our understanding of various forms of child maltreatment as well as approaches designed to effectively respond to this difficult problem. The final manuscripts in this issue represent a theoretical and empirical perspective on child maltreatment. Medical settings represent a fertile arena for prevention as well as intervention initiatives. Future research should further support clinical strategies via program evaluation and outcome studies, and be aimed at enhancing our knowledge of the field and developing more comprehensive models to guide our efforts. It is hoped that this issue will stimulate research in this area and provide additional support for clinical interventions in the field.
