The Evaluation of Suspected Child Physical Abuse
Cindy W. Christian, MD, FAAP, COMMITTEE ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
PEDIATRICS Volume 135, number 5, May 2015
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated its child physical abuse guideline to include new information on the lasting effects of abuse and on how pediatricians can protect children. The guideline highlights risk factors for abuse and abusive injuries that are frequently overlooked.
Child physical abuse is an important cause of pediatric morbidity and abstract
mortality and is associated with major physical and mental health problems
that can extend into adulthood. Pediatricians are in a unique position to
identify and prevent child abuse, and this clinical report provides guidance to
the practitioner regarding indicators and evaluation of suspected physical
abuse of children. The role of the physician may include identifying abused
children with suspicious injuries who present for care, reporting suspected
abuse to the child protection agency for investigation, supporting families who
are affected by child abuse, coordinating with other professionals and
community agencies to provide immediate and long-term treatment to
victimized children, providing court testimony when necessary, providing
preventive care and anticipatory guidance in the office, and advocating for
policies and programs that support families and protect vulnerable children
