Polyvictimization in childhood and its adverse impacts across the lifespan: Introduction to the special issue

ABSTRACT

Although much empirical work has focused on the adverse impact of specific types of childhood victimization (e.g., sexual, physical, or emotional abuse), researchers and clinicians increasingly are recognizing the prevalence of polyvictimization, or exposure to multiple types of victimization. Polyvictimization during formative developmental periods may have detrimental and potentially lifelong biopsychosocial impacts over and above the effects of exposure to specific types of adversity. In this guest editorial, we summarize the key questions and findings for six empirical studies on polyvictimization included in this Special Issue of the Journal of Trauma & Dissociation. These empirical studies further our understanding of the nature, consequences, and assessment of polyvictimization. We conclude with recommendations for continued scientific research and clinical inquiry on polyvictimization.

KEYWORDS:

• Polyvictimization
• trauma
• abuse
• maltreatment
• childhood
• lifespan

Additional information

Funding

Julian Ford discloses a financial interest as co-owner of Advanced Trauma Solutions, Inc. (ATS), which is licensed by the University of Connecticut to disseminate the TARGET intervention. ATS had no involvement in this article. Brianna Delker has no conflict of interest. Support for writing this article was provided by a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Child Traumatic Stress Network, Center for Trauma Recovery and Juvenile Justice (1U79SM080013-01) and Center for the Treatment of Developmental Trauma Disorders (1U79SM080044-01), Julian Ford, Principal Investigator.