A person who engages in maltreatment when under stress is just as likely to attempt to hide his or her actions from others as predatory or criminal abusers. Is this statement true or false?

The statement is true. Individuals who engage in maltreatment, even if it stems from stress rather than a predatory or criminal intent, may still exhibit behaviors aimed at concealing their actions from others. This can be due to a awareness of the unacceptability of their behavior, a fear of facing consequences, or an instinctive response to protect themselves from scrutiny or judgment. Just as predatory abusers often hide their actions to avoid social or legal repercussions, those who maltreat out of stress may feel compelled to keep their behavior secret, demonstrating a commonality in the instinct to protect oneself, regardless of the underlying motivations. Understanding this helps underscore the complexity of abusive behaviors and the need for comprehensive support systems.