Difficulties of definition, investigation and establishment in ‘emotional abuse’ of children have resulted in both a lack of clinical information and uncertainty among professional practitioners about the topic. This paper reports a survey of all suspected cases referred, under Section 32(2)(c) of the Social Work (Scotland) Act (1968), to a Reporter to a Children's Panel over five consecutive years. The source allowed consideration of demographic and clinical features of children and families, professional response and involvement, and outcome. The results suggested that children and families referred for suspected ‘emotional abuse’ had features in common with physically abusing adults and victims, including multiple social disadvantage and risk of alcohol or drug abuse. Many of the children referred were young, and likelihood of referral declined with increasing age. Referring agencies appeared to become more discriminating in parts of legislation used; a variety of agencies were involved with cases. The Reporter's initial decisions were usually supported by the Sheriff” Court. Proposed categories for cases, based on main clinical features, achieved high interrater reliability between two judges and may form a potential basis for classification and prognosis.
