There are few things in our society that provoke such raw emotions as that of child abuse. Most people, justifiably so, are outraged when they hear of allegations of abuse, and their anger is intensified as they learn of what seems to be an inappropriate criminal justice response.

This second edition combines thorough scholarly research and practical experience working in field, from a criminal investigator, a forensic nurse, a child mental health specialist, and the President of Freedom 4/24 who's organization provides training on Human Trafficking around the world. This collaboration of personal insight and practical experience demonstrates how these four areas of expertise can join forces to achieve the objective of working as a team to facilitate safeguarding children.

New to this edition:
-Two new authors that have unique expertise in the field of child abuse.
-Four new chapters on child trafficking, the Child Advocacy Center, treatment and recovery, and the impacts of working with abused children
-Additional focus on the mental health and therapeutic response to child abuse victims
-A comprehensive discussion addressing human trafficking in the United States that
-Expanding on the different forms of physical injuries associated with child maltreatment.
-Addressing the significant changes in technology relating to child abuse over the last few years including, but not limited to, Artificial Intelligence.

Students will come away with a better understanding of the scope of child abuse, so they can become more objective but still maintain their passion about ways to protect this vulnerable and targeted population.

Daniel Murphy is an assistant professor of criminology at the University of Lynchburg and former police investigator where he investigated over 150 cases of sexual assaults involving children.

April Rasmussen is a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital and Director of the Forensic Nursing Program at Centra.

Dr. Corie Schoeneberg is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, and Board-Certified Counselor who specializes in childhood trauma and attachment.

Joy Cover is the president of Freedom 4/24, an anti-trafficking organization in Lynchburg, Virginia.