Child Maltreatment - Physical Abuse

What is physical abuse of a child?

• Physical abuse of a child, also called child battering, is a form of family violence and child maltreatment. A child may be defined as a person under 18 years of age. Each state may have different legal views of physical child abuse. Physical abuse occurs when persons harm a child, or place him in danger. These persons on whom the child depends or trusts may unknowingly or on purpose be an abuser. Parents, guardians, foster parents, relatives, or a carer of a child may be responsible for physical abuse. A carer is someone who is paid or not paid for caring for a child.
  
  
• Physical abuse includes punching, beating, kicking, hitting, biting, shaking, throwing, stabbing, choking, burning, drowning, and force-feeding. This may also include giving discipline through physical punishment that is too much for a child's age or condition. Attacking him with a weapon or using any harmful or dangerous force or restraint may also be physical abuse. Physical abuse may happen in the home of a child or the abuser. It may also happen in other locations. Physical abuse may lead to physical, emotional, and mental pain, serious injury, disability, and even death. When physical abuse of a child is reported and diagnosed, caregivers can help children who are at risk for, or who are victims of child abuse.

What causes physical abuse of a child?

The exact cause of physical abuse of a child is not known. There are many things that may cause someone to abuse a child. Poor, violent, or crowded living conditions may be one of the reasons why it occurs. The following are other possible causes and conditions that may increase a child's risk of physical abuse:

• Risks related to the abuser:
  
  
  • Being a single or a teen-age parent.
    
    
  • Drinks alcohol or uses illegal drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, and marijuana.
    
    
  • Has a history of family violence, such as physical or other abuse.
    
    
  • Has a personality disorder, depression, or another mental illness.
    
    
  • Has stress due to work, taking care of the child, or marital or financial problems.
    
    
  • Lacks knowledge about the normal development of a child.
  
  
• Risks related to the child:
  
  
  • Age three years and below.
    
    
  • Has learning or memory problems.
    
    
  • Has long-term conditions or special needs.
    
    
  • Has no relatives or friends who can take care of him.
    
    
  • Shows aggressive or disruptive behavior.

What are the signs and symptoms of physical abuse of a child?

Your child may have unexplained repeated falls or injuries. He may have old injuries that were not treated when they happened. He may also have any of the following:

• Abrasions (scratches), or bite marks. There may be marks from objects used for restraining, such as belts, ropes, or electrical cords.
  
  
• Broken or dislocated bones.
  
  
• Contusions (bruises), especially on both upper arms (grab marks).
  
  
• Lacerations (cuts) or scars.
  
  
• Scars or burns from cigarettes, irons, or hot water.
  
  
• Unexplained blood or discharge coming from the nose, mouth, or eyes.
  
  
• Unusual loss of hair in body areas.

How is physical abuse of a child diagnosed?

A caregiver will take a detailed health history from you, your child, or other family members or carers. This may include information on the kind of physical abuse your child may have had. He may be asked if he has been hit, slapped, injured, or punished by too much spanking. Caregivers may also want to know who the abuser is, and how long the abuse has been taking place. Your child's body may need to be examined or photographed to learn more about his physical abuse. He may also need any of the following tests:

• Blood and urine tests: Samples of blood and urine of your child may be sent to a lab for tests.
  
  
• CT scan: This test is also called a CAT scan. An x-ray and computer are used to take pictures of your child's body. Your child may be given dye, also called contrast, before the test. Tell the caregiver if your child is allergic to dye, iodine, or seafood.
  
  
• MRI: An MRI uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to take pictures of the inside of your child's body. Caregivers may use the MRI to look at your child's brain, muscles, joints, bones, or blood vessels. Your child will need to lie still during his test. Never enter the MRI room with any metal objects. This can cause serious injury.
  
  
• X-rays: X-ray pictures may show bones that are broken or out of place. X-rays of the victim's chest and abdomen (stomach) may also be taken.

How is physical abuse of a child treated?

A child that has been physically abused may be placed in a special home or day care center. Special services may be offered to ensure a child's safety and health. Treatment may also include any of the following:

• For the abused child:
  
  
  • Counseling: Caregivers may talk to you, your child, or other family members, friends, or the abuser about physical abuse. Caregivers may explain the problems that can occur if child abuse is not noticed or stopped.
    
    
  • Medicines: Caregivers may give your child medicine to help ease his pain. He may need antibiotic medicine or a tetanus shot if there is an open wound. Medicines may also be given if he has other medical conditions.
    
    
  • Surgery: Your child may need surgery to treat injuries. Surgery may return bones to their normal position if there is a fracture (broken bone). Surgery may also be needed to correct a deformity or treat other injuries.
  
  
• For the abuser:
  
  
  • Criminal prosecution: Abusers may be arrested and punished.
    
    
  • Medicines: Medicines may be given to treat depression and alcohol or substance abuse.
    
    
  • Psychotherapy: This is a type of counseling that is usually done in a series of meetings or talks. These meetings can help people understand why physical abuse happens, and learn about problems that an abuser might have.
    
    
  • Rehabilitation: An abuser may need to be put in an alcohol or substance abuse rehabilitation program. These programs may help him learn how to control or stop his drinking or drug problem.

Where can I find support and more information?

Reporting physical abuse may be hard to do, but it is very important. By reporting abuse, your child will get the help that he needs to stop the abuse from happening or continuing. Talk to your child and help him discuss his feelings. Your child's caregiver can help you, or other family members and friends better understand how to support the victim. You, your child, and other family members may also want to join a support group. This is a group of children and their families who may have also been physically abused. Contact the following for more information:

• American Academy of Family Physicians
  11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway
  Leawood , KS 66211-2680
  Phone: 1- 913 - 906-6000
  Phone: 1- 800 - 274-2237
  Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
  

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers to decide what care you want for your child.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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