The various historical constructions of childhood, child abuse and children's rights present us with evidence of the terrible ubiquity of child mistreatment, its changing forms and the necessity of child safeguarding and protection. This ambitious book paints an important and erudite picture of child abuse and social responses to it, bringing us up-to-date with a call for continued vigilance, compassion, and action. Professor Jonathan ParkerProfessor of Society & Social Welfare, Bournemouth University Steven has done a vast amount of research covering a massive range of topics and international perspectives. I admire him for embarking on this massive adventure. He has brought into focus child abuse previously raised in disparate ways not brought together before in one place. Dr Liz DaviesEmeritus Professor of Social Work, London Metropolitan University Steven Walker's book is an erudite and articulate antidote to the dominant Anglo-American narrative that child abuse was 'discovered' in the 1960s. It presents an analysis with a global sweep, starting in Jericho in 7,000BC and finishing with the latest debates about the relationship between child abuse and poverty. Challenging popular notions that child abuse is perpetrated by evil or irrational individuals, it examines how child abuse has been woven into the fabric of our societies.

A fascinating and thought-provoking read for anyone who wants to understand our current responses to child abuse. Professor Andrew Whittaker Professor of Social Work Research, London South Bank University Dr Andrew WhittakerProfessor of Social Work Research, London South Bank University.