It should include information on the definitions of abuse, the prevalence and dynamics of abuse, the indicators of abuse, reporting and referral systems, support available and measures for prevention of abuse. For some groups, eg professionals working with children, information on procedures and communication strategies will also be required. Information on prevalence and dynamics of abuse is thought to be crucial in terms of helping people to understand and acknowledge that abuse can happen within their society. Anecdotal evidence from doctors in Jordan suggests that professionals dealing with children may require such evidence of the occurrence of abuse before they will consider that a child with whom they are dealing may have been abused. An example was given of a case where a child had suffered recurrent urinary tract infections and yet the possibility of sexual abuse was not even considered, also a child who presented with a fracture for which there was an inconsistent history and yet the possibility of non accidental injury was not considered.
Data collection is essential to inform the whole process.
A distinction needs to be made between gathering of statistics, such as reported cases, and research which we define as planned systematic enquiry . It is recognised that without an effective system for reporting and recording of cases of abuse there will be some difficulties in acquiring accurate data on prevalence and dynamics of abuse. Research should draw its methods from a wide range of paradigms including qualitative, quantitative and critical. Research projects should be co-ordinated to ensure best use of available resources and should have a direct impact on practice as a measurable outcome. It is suggested that the establishment of international academic links can facilitate the development of appropriate research.