Intrafamilial Child Torture

Intrafamilial Child Torture (ICT) is a particularly severe form of child maltreatment with unique family dynamics and devastating outcomes for child victims. The dynamics and outcomes of torture for children in their families are comparable to other forms of child torture in non familial contexts.

No separate diagnostic category exists for ICT. It is not widely recognized or understood by child maltreatment professionals, and there is little research data to help professionals fully understand it or know how to respond. We expect that ICT cases are often misdiagnosed or remain unidentified. We also contend that professional responses to other forms of child maltreatment may not be effective for ICT and may leave tortured children at extreme risk of serious harm.

In our work, we propose a working definition of ICT to raise professional awareness of the condition and to promote adoption of ICT as a category of child maltreatment. We also describe the most effective and specialized treatment interventions for children who have experienced extreme early trauma, including child victims of ICT. 

Resources include case studies of child survivors to illustrate family dynamics, severity, outcomes for child victims, and legal issues.