Which statement about risk factors is true?

• A. They guarantee maltreatment will occur.
• B. They are unrelated to caregiver stress.
• C. They increase the likelihood of maltreatment when combined with other stressors.
• D. They guarantee protective factors can overcome risk.

Answer: (C)

Risk factors are conditions that increase the likelihood of maltreatment when present, especially when they occur with other stressors. They don’t guarantee that maltreatment will happen, but they raise the probability if multiple stressors—like financial strain, mental health challenges, substance use, and limited social support—are also present. When several risk factors and stressors stack, the chance of maltreatment increases more than with any single factor. Protective factors, such as solid support networks and access to services, can reduce risk, but they don’t guarantee safety. So the true statement is that risk factors raise the likelihood of maltreatment when combined with other stressors.