Local alcohol availability related to child maltreatment

The number of stores selling alcohol in a neighbourhood is linked to cases of child abuse and neglect in the same area, a new study suggests.

A study in Sacramento, California, found that having one more off-premises alcohol outlet – those selling alcohol to be consumed elsewhere – in a census tract was related to 13.5% more substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect in that area in a year and 10.5% entries into foster care.

That was after taking into account a variety of other factors that could impact child maltreatment numbers in the neighbourhood.

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