The prevention of child abuse, Part Two: Strategies to change attitudes and behaviour

In order to improve attempts at the prevention of child abuse, a large scale program to change community attitudes and behaviours is required. An approach based on the Yale model of persuasion is described. The particular messages to be promoted are discussed with an emphasis on positive rather than punitive messages. Alternatives to officialdom for making contact and for delivery of assistance to carers under stress are seen as desirable, including additional programs at local neighbourhood level. A series of recommendations which reflect principles known to be effective in changing attitudes and behaviour is made.