Most maltreatment of children and vulnerable adults occurs in which of the following situations?

The statement that most maltreatment of children and vulnerable adults occurs in family homes by family members reflects a significant body of research and data on abuse and neglect patterns. Family environments, while often associated with love and care, can also be settings where individuals feel more comfortable to express harmful behaviors due to the lack of external oversight and the intimate nature of relationships.

Family members may inflict emotional, physical, or neglectful forms of maltreatment, believing they can operate without scrutiny. The connection, dependency, and familiarity create scenarios where abuse can occur unnoticed, highlighting the importance of recognizing and addressing maltreatment within family units. Understanding this context helps direct support professionals focus on early signs of abuse and the need for protective measures in domestic settings, ultimately improving the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals.

In contrast, maltreatment in institutional settings, or by paid assistants in family homes, can be more observable due to the presence of mandated reporting, structured oversight, and training protocols. While these situations certainly exist, statistical evidence shows that family-related maltreatment remains more prevalent.