Violence, neglect, mistreatment and abuse in childhood and adolescence have dramatic consequences for those affected, from which they usually suffer for a lifetime. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research supports research groups that develop evidence-based concepts for prevention, detection and therapy and test them in practice.
The consequences of child abuse can lead to pathogenic changes even in adulthood. The aim of the network is to develop a model to better predict these changes. In addition, the scientists want to establish a therapy method for abused children.
As part of a longitudinal study, the test subjects examined in the precursor network will continue to be observed. The focus is on the biopsychosocial and psychological effects of abuse. The scientists are also investigating the neuroendocrine and epigenetic consequences. The data should enable a more precise forecast of how the abuse will affect the development of the children. A clinical study will also investigate whether the pathogenic consequences of abuse and neglect in early childhood can be alleviated by effective, modern therapies.
Both the longitudinal study and the clinical study will, in the long term, contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms that mediate the influence of abuse on child development. This creates a basis for individually adapting the therapies to the patients.