Abuse

Description
* Physical
* Emotional
* Sexual
* Neglect

Symptoms
* Care -- lacking appropriate clothing or shelter
* Various, multiple suspicious bruises, lacerations, burns, Fractures
* Failure to Thrive, delayed development, withdrawn, abusive of others
* Acting out behavior, anger, resentment
* Malnourished, poor hygiene, lacking appropriate medical/dental care
* Genitals with bruising, tearing, or discharge

How The Diagnosis is Made
* Medical care as necessary
* Document with photos, lab tests, x-rays.
* Occurs in all ethnic, social, and economic levels
* Higher rates occur with parental drug and alcohol abuse
* Interview child, parents, siblings and all caretakers. Use language
appropriate to age group.

Treatment
* Notify Child Protective Services immediately.
* Notify law enforcement
* Protection of child is paramount

Complications
* Victims of child abuse are at higher risk for drug abuse, teen pregnancy,
antisocial behavior, and a repetitive cycle of abuse in their family
relationships.

Prevent
* Parental counseling and parenting courses