Sections
Child Abuse and Neglect: Introduction | Definitions | Epidemiology | Etiology | Clinical Presentation | Diagnostic Considerations and Comorbidity | Prevention | Child and Parent Treatment | Resilience | Legal Considerations | Research Directions | Summary Points | References
Excerpt
Child abuse continues to be a serious pediatric and
social problem all over the world. Although earlier studies attempted
to separate the impact of physical from sexual abuse, contemporary
research is focusing on the impact of polyvictimization, as it is
the rare child who experiences only one type of abuse. It has become clear
that the worst outcomes are seen in children who experience a multitude
of adversities and that such youth are most likely to experience
poor mental and physical health. Prevention efforts, timely intervention,
and fostering resiliency of abused children can help mitigate some
of the long-term effects of abuse.