Physical Child Abuse

Abstract

Physical child abuse is common and carries a significant morbidity and mortality. All healthcare professionals, including those working in the criminal justice system, have an important role in recognizing suspected child physical abuse and making an appropriate referral. These cases should be investigated by medical practitioners who are either paediatricians with formal training in forensic medicine or by forensic physicians with extensive experience in paediatrics. This chapter describes the nature of injuries that may be a found in abused children and provides a framework for their assessment. It also discusses abusive head trauma and fabricated or factitious illnesses.