Battered child syndrome; Physical abuse - children
Prevention
Recognize the warning signs of abuse. The caregiver may:
- Have alcohol or drug problems
- Have a history of abuse or was abused as a child
- Have emotional problems or mental illness
- Have high stress factors, including poverty
- Not look after the child's hygiene or care
- Not seem to love or have concern for the child
Counseling or parenting classes may prevent abuse when any of these factors are present. Watchful guidance and support from the extended family, friends, clergy, or other supportive persons may prevent abuse or allow early intervention in cases of abuse.
References
Johnson CF. Abuse and neglect of children. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 36.
Berkowitz CD, Stewart ST. Child maltreatment. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2009:chap 63.
Previous Section
Review Date: 01/24/2011
Reviewed By: Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical STaff, Department of Psychiatry
and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children's Hospital; and Neil K.
Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics,
University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David
Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
