Child Abuse

Child abuse includes physical and emotional maltreatment, sexual abuse, exploitation, and neglect. It is a complex problem that can lead to lifelong consequences for negative physical and emotional health, outcomes including a shortened lifespan and increased risk of medical and psychiatric illness. Prevention, recognition, and treatment of child abuse requires a multi-disciplinary approach involving behavioral, environmental, and educational interventions. Since family physicians care for the entire family, they are in a unique position to recognize and help prevent child abuse, as well as take measures to treat victims of child abuse and their families.

Family physicians should provide information about child development, stages that can be stressful, and guidance about appropriate discipline techniques.

Family physicians should be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of child abuse and must report suspected abuse to the proper authorities. Utilization of validated, evidence-based screening tools should be implemented in the clinical setting.

Family physicians should provide information to caregivers about expected child development, stages that can be stressful, and guidance about appropriate discipline techniques. Family physicians should be aware that bias plays a role in referral to child protective service and they should act as an advocate for families that may have been inappropriately referred.

Family physicians should be aware of the resources available in their communities for children and families who require additional support. When child abuse is detected, family preservation is preferred, but the child's safety and well-being is the most important consideration.  (1987) (September 2024 COD)