Child Abuse

Child abuse is a serious matter. No matter what ethnic or social background someone comes from there is the potential for abuse. The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), as amended and reauthorized by the CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010, defines child abuse and neglect as, “Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation; or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.” Abuse is often hidden from view and many times its victims are too young or fearful to speak out. Experts suggest that its true prevalence is possibly much greater than the official data indicate. An estimated 896,000 children across the United States were victims of abuse or neglect in 2002, this is according to national data released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2004. Young mothers, single-parent families, and parental alcohol or drug abuse are common in reported cases (Encyclopedia of Children’s Health). Statistics show that more than 90% of abusing parents have neither psychotic nor criminal personalities. But they actually tend to be lonely, unhappy, angry, young, and single parents who do not plan their pregnancies, and/or have little or no knowledge of child development, that results in unrealistic expectations for their child’s behavior. It’s reported that anywhere from 10% -40% of abusive parents were themselves physically abused as children, but most abused children do not grow up to be abusive parents (ECH).
The most common form of child abuse in infants is neglect, but most deaths from child abuse occur from head injury (ECH). Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is the leading cause of death in child abuse cases in the United States. The syndrome results from injuries caused by someone vigorously shaking an infant, usually for five to 20 seconds, which causes brain damage. The average age of victims is between three and eight months. Note, children of families who live at or below the poverty level are at an increased risk for child abuse (HHS).Infants who are premature, cognitively impaired, or have physical handicaps are more likely to provoke abuse from their caregiver, over infants without such problems. Also, non-handicapped infants who have uneven sleep and eating patterns are more likely to be abused (ECH).
Physical assessment may involve alterations in skin, bone and the CNS. Examples such as bruising and abrasions of various stages of healing, fractures and neurological deficits, and altered levels of consciousness (Pressel). Some cultural practices used to treat illness produce petechiae and purpura that can mimic abuse. Coining or Cao gio is a form of dermabrasion commonly used in Southeast Asian cultures to rid the body of "bad winds" by bringing bad blood to the surface (Davis, 2000).
Doctors and nurses are required by law to promptly report cases of suspected child neglect or abuse to the local child protective services agency. Depending on the circumstances the law enforcement agency may also be notified. Texas law says anyone who thinks a child is being abused, neglected, or exploited must report it to DFPS. A person who reports abuse in good faith is immune from civil or criminal liability. DFPS keeps the name of the person making the report confidential.

Reference: http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/consumer/family-services/child-abuse-neglect/warning-signs.html
Encyclopedia of Children's Health. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.healthofchildren.com/C/Child-Abuse.html
PRESSEL, M. D. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0515/p3057.html https://www. Childwelfare.gov www.dfps.state.tx.us