Understanding and Reporting Child Abuse: Legal and Psychological Perspectives. Part One: Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, and Neglect

2004 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 315-359
Author(s):  
Ofelia Rodriguez-Srednicki ◽  
James A. Twaite
Author(s):  
Sabana Shaikh ◽  
Rubena Ali Malik

It is the duty of every healthcare professional to ensure they prioritise the welfare of a child by protecting them from physical or psychological harm. Forms of child abuse include physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. A child subjected to emotional abuse or neglect can present with ambiguous symptoms, making the abuse difficult to detect. Safeguarding concerns must be acted upon according to local procedures, guided by the child safeguarding lead and the practice safeguarding policy. Safeguarding multidisciplinary meetings can be an effective way of communicating with various professionals involved with the family.


2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 1063-1078 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Spano ◽  
Michael A. David ◽  
Sara R. Jeffries ◽  
John M. Bolland

Two competing models of child abuse and neglect (scapegoat vs. family dysfunction) are used to illustrate how the specification of victims (“index” victim vs. all children in household) from incidents of child abuse and neglect can be used to improve estimates of maltreatment for at-risk minority youth. Child Protection Services records were searched in 2005 for 366 “index” victims who were surveyed for 5 consecutive years (from 1998 to 2002) for the Mobile Youth Survey as well as other siblings in the household. The findings indicate that the baseline estimate of any maltreatment, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and neglect increased by 68%, 26%, 33%, and 74%, respectively, after adjusting for incidents that involved multiple victims (i.e., maltreatment as family dysfunction). In addition, the baseline estimate of more severe (indicated) incidents of physical abuse and neglect increased by 67% and 64%, respectively, after accounting for incidents that involved multiple victims, but there were no incidents of more severe (indicated) sexual abuse that involved multiple victims. Similarly, baseline estimates of age of onset (or chronicity) of maltreatment during childhood and adolescence increased by 62% and 26%, respectively. Baseline estimates for youth with 3 or more years of maltreatment and youth with 3 or more incidents of maltreatment both increased by about 71%. The implications of these findings for policy and practice as well as areas for future research are also discussed.


1996 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 73
Author(s):  
Grant Holland

In Victoria, and to some extent Australia, the last two decades have seen some clarification in the classification of the various forms of child maltreatment and abuse. Currently, the major forms of child abuse are acknowledged as being:In Victoria, and to some extent Australia, the last two decades have seen some clarification in the classification of the various forms of child maltreatment and abuse. Currently, the major forms of child abuse are acknowledged as being physical abuse or non-accidental physical injury; sexual abuse and exploitation; emotional/psychological abuse and neglect. These forms of maltreatment often convey an implied message of non-accidental or committed harm against children. Abuse, however, can often occur by neglect or a failure to protect children, and therefore can be characterised as abuse by ommission. Many practitioners and professionals now use the term 'child abuse and neglect' rather than the single 'child abuse' term.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1986 ◽  
Vol 78 (3) ◽  
pp. 537-539
Author(s):  

In all 50 states, physicians are required to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to social service or law enforcement agencies. Dentists are similarly required to report such suspected cases in most states and are allowed to report in all states; however, a minority of dentists are aware of these legal requirements.1-4 Physicians and dentists could aid in educating each other and in collaborating to increase the detection, treatment, and prevention of these disorders. Physicians typically receive limited training in dental injury and disease and thus may not detect dental abuse or neglect as readily as they do child abuse and neglect involving other areas of the body. PHYSICAL ABUSE Because craniofacial injuries occur in half of child abuse cases,3,5,6 evaluation of these injuries is essential. Some authorities believe the oral cavity may be a central focus for physical abuse because of its significance in communication and nutrition.2 The injuries are most commonly inflicted as blunt trauma with an instrument, eating utensil, hand, or finger or by scalding liquids or caustic substances. The abuse may result in ecchymoses, lacerations, traumatized or avulsed teeth, facial fractures, burns, or other injuries. Discolored teeth may result from repeated trauma.7,8 Gags applied to the mouth may leave bruises, lichenification, or scarring at the corners of the mouth. 9 Multiple injuries, injuries in different stages of healing, injuries inappropriate for the child's stage of development, and/or a discrepant history should arouse suspicion of abuse. SEXUAL ABUSE The oral cavity is a frequent site of sexual abuse in children.


1997 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 35-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grant Holland

In Victoria, and to some extent Australia, the last two decades have seen some clarification in the classification of the various forms of child maltreatment and abuse. Currently, the major recognised forms of child abuse are acknowledged as being:• physical abuse or non-accidental physical injury;• sexual abuse and exploitation;• emotional/psychological abuse; and• neglect.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 73 (5) ◽  
pp. 719-722
Author(s):  
FRANK T. SAULSBURY ◽  
MICHAEL C. CHOBANIAN ◽  
WILLIAM G. WILSON

The recognized spectrum of child abuse and neglect has expanded enormously since the original description of the battered child syndrome by Kempe et al, in 1962.1 In addition to physical abuse, we now realize that sexual abuse and nutritional neglect, as well as emotional abuse and neglect of children are problems of considerable magnitude. Another form of child abuse reported with increasing frequency is the intentional poisoning of children. Although this form of child abuse was mentioned by Kempe et al1 in their original report, it has only recently received more recognization and attention. Because of several unique characteristics, some authors2-4 favor considering intentional poisoning as a distinct subgroup of child abuse.


Trauma ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 216-218
Author(s):  
Shashank Pooniya ◽  
Sanjeev Lalwani ◽  
Nirupam Madaan ◽  
Manju Mehta ◽  
Ashu Bhalla ◽  
...  

The problem of battered baby and child abuse is a much underreported condition, easily missed by the attending physician and autopsy surgeon. According to a study by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, India, in 2007, more than two-thirds (69%) of children, particularly in the age group of 5–12 years, faced physical abuse, mostly (89%) by parents. Sexual abuse occurred in over half of them (53%) and every second child faced emotional abuse, mostly by parents (83%). In this presentation, we will be sharing the experience of managing two cases of battered baby syndrome, reported at a tertiary health care centre in India.


1990 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 608-609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leila B. Cooke

In spite of all the publicity in recent years about child abuse, very little mention has been made of another group of people who are also very vulnerable to abuse, namely adults with a mental handicap. Although chronologically adults, and therefore not susceptible to the laws designed to protect children, they may be functioning intellectually and emotionally at a much lower level. Because they are often dependent on other people for many aspects of their care, this makes them vulnerable to physical and sexual abuse and neglect. Difficulties with speech and communication may render them unable to inform anyone of their plight or ask for help, therefore many problems remain hidden. Personal involvement in one such case made me aware of this problem and the current lack of legal protection for this group of people. I therefore undertook a national survey in order to gain more information on the prevalence of abuse, factors associated with it, and possible legal solutions.


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