Identification of Child Physical Abuse

A child who is suspected to have been the victim of physical abuse can be referred immediately to a paediatric hospital. In case of verified or justifiably suspected physical abuse of a child, a child protection report should be made without delay to the local social worker on-call (legislation and practices vary from country to country).The report can be either verbal or written, and the parents should be informed about making the report. Child welfare authorities have the obligation to make an immediate request for police investigation concerning the case. Appropriate action will prevent the recurrence of physical abuse in the majority of cases. If no action is taken, a recurrent episode of physical abuse is associated with a 30% risk of permanent disability to the child, and a 10% risk of death. See also articles about sexual abuse of a child and domestic violence . The latter article also explores the psychological long-term consequences of abuse.