Child Abuse/Neglect

Report Child Abuse:

Physicians should report suspected child abuse if one or more of the following occurs:

1. someone notices and reports a suspicious injury or witnesses an abusive event

2. someone asks the child if he or she has been hurt in an abusive way

3. a caregiver is unaware that the child has an injury, but notices symptoms that necessitate bringing the child in for medical treatment

4. the child discloses that he or she has been physically abused

5. the abuser thinks the inflicted injury is severe enough to require medical attention.

Resuscitation and stabilization of the patient are necessary before carrying out further evaluation if the child is severely injured.