Child maltreatment evokes images of horrific burns, bruises, fractures and autopsy findings. Five children die every day from physical abuse; the youngest are the most vulnerable and the abuser is overwhelmingly known to the victim in an overwhelmingly high percent of cases. Many images and consequences, however, are less obvious and include the faces of neglect, emotional scars from exposure to trauma and the life-long impact of witnessing violence. In the United States, more than 3.3 million children between the ages of 3 and 17 years are exposed to crime and violence in their neighborhoods and inside their homes (Lynch, 2006). They are innocent, unwilling victims and silent witnesses to the sights and sounds of domestic violence, sibling abuse, gang activities and school violence.

Healthcare practitioners are in a unique position to make a difference in the lives of children through prevention, community and family education, early identification and universal screening. Multi-disciplinary collaboration and intervention through comprehensive utilization of resources are foundational to the health of our children and the safety of our society.

Discuss the prevalence and incidence of criminal and sexual acts committed against children
Identify environmental, caregiver and child risk factors associated with abuse and neglect.
Evaluate injuries that are indicative of physical abuse, including patterned injuries, fractures, contusions, burns and bites.
Compare medical conditions and cultural practices that mimic, and are often mistaken for, child abuse
Review the legal reporting requirements and elements of documentation necessary when filing a report of abuse or neglect