Child Abuse and Neglect


Our Impact

Research used to improve the safety, permanency, and well-being of children

IPRC was home to LONGSCAN, a 20-year study on child maltreatment. Findings were shared with community leaders and stakeholders, including policy-makers at a Federal Congressional Briefing, the NC Child Fatality Task Force, and the National Resource Center for Child Protective Services to improve to the safety, permanency, and well-being of children. PI: Dr. Des Runyan

Learn More About IPRC's Impact

Faculty Spotlight

Meghan E. Shanahan, PhD, MPH

Dr. Shanahan is Assistant Professor of Maternal and Child Health at the Gillings School of Global Public Health and core faculty at the IPRC. The focus of her research is to improve the health and developmental trajectories of children. Her research focuses on adverse events that potentially influence these trajectories and prevent children from realizing their full potential. Child maltreatment is one obvious insult to the health and development of children. Documenting the magnitude, etiology, and impact of child maltreatment has been a major focus of her work. Examining prevention strategies to reduce child abuse and neglect has become another main focal point of her research. Link to Profile

Outreach Spotlight

Child Maltreatment Research and Practice Network

IPRC is proud to support UNC students in conducting cutting-edge injury and violence prevention research, including the Child Maltreatment Prevention Research and Practice Network. Bi-weekly meetings are held to discuss current developments in and bridging the gap between child abuse and neglect research, policy, and practice within the field of child welfare. IPRC lead contact: Meghan E. Shanahan, PhD