Child Physical Abuse
What is it?
Child physical abuse is the intentional infliction of
injury on a child. In most cases, the person causing the
abuse is a family member or caregiver.
Who is affected?
Over one million children in the United States each
year are abused in some way. Physical abuse affects
children of all racial, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
What causes it?
Physical abuse is caused by a person’s inability to
control their anger or frustration. This loss of control
is usually caused by factors that have nothing to do with
the child, such as job or personal stresses, loneliness,
depression, lack of a support system, psychiatric
disorders, or substance abuse. A child that is difficult
because of a behavioral disorder or physical disability
may also be a target for abuse if the parent is not
equipped to handle these types of challenges. A rare type
of physical abuse occurs in Munchausen by proxy syndrome,
a disorder in which a caregiver, usually a parent, either
makes the child appear to be sick by altering medical
records or test results, or actually makes the child sick.
The parent does this because he or she has an abnormal
need for attention and enjoys the type of relationship
developed with the child because of the illness.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of physical abuse include signs of injury,
such as unexplained bruises, burns, scrapes, or broken
bones. An abused child’s behavior may change, making the
child withdrawn and distrustful, although most children
will deny that anything is wrong. Prolonged shaking of a
child under the age of one causes a condition called
shaken baby syndrome, which results in brain injury and
often death. Skull fractures are also common in physically
abused children. Over the long run, abused children are
more likely to use drugs, become sexually promiscuous,
have low self esteem, exhibit extremely passive or
aggressive behavior, have difficulty with interpersonal
relationships, perform poorly in school, have frequent
nightmares, and experience depression that can lead to
attempted suicide. Children who are physically abused
often become abusive parents.
How is it diagnosed?
When a child has suspicious injuries, doctors and
healthcare professionals must carefully question those who
care for the child about the source of the child’s injury.
Most often, the person responsible for the abuse may not
be able to explain the child’s injuries, have
inconsistencies in his or her story, or appear unconcerned
about the injury. The doctor will perform a thorough
physical examination and look at the child’s medical
history for signs of past abuse. He or she may order some
diagnostic tests, such as x-rays, to look for signs of new
and old injuries. Suspected abuse must be reported to the
local child protective services agency. The person
investigating the potential abuse will also carefully and
gently interview the child.
What is the treatment?
The child is treated for his or her injuries, which may
require hospitalization. He or she may be placed with
relatives or a foster care family to protect the child
from further abuse. Any siblings of the child are also
examined for signs of abuse. A treatment team may consist
of a pediatrician, social worker, and a psychotherapist
that work together to monitor the child’s physical and
mental health, with the goal of reducing the long-term
effects of the abuse. There are counseling programs that
can help parents learn to control their impulses when
angered or frustrated.
Prevention tips
Early identification and treatment of childhood
physical abuse is important to stop the pain and reduce
the likelihood of long-term psychological effects. People
who suspect that a child is physically abused should call
the police or report these suspicions to their local child
protective services agency. Parents should be extremely
cautious before leaving their children alone in the care
of anyone until they are sure the caregiver is trustworthy
and caring.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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