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Child abuse - physical

Alternative Names

Battered child syndrome; Physical abuse - children

Prevention

Recognize the warning signs of potential abuse. For example, a caregiver may:

  • Previously abused a child
  • Fail to maintain the child's proper hygiene or care
  • Appear to lack love or concern
  • Have alcohol or drug problems
  • Have emotional problems or mental illness
  • Was abused as a child
  • Has high stress factors, including poverty

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.

Review Date: 10/11/2007
Reviewed By: Deirdre O’Reilly, MD, MPH, Neonatologist, Division of Newborn Medicine, Children’s Hospital Boston and Instructor in Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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