Abuse happens to children of all ages it is most likely to be inflicted on infants and very young children. Children will frequently not complain about the abuse that is inflicted upon the. It is therefore important for physicians to be alert to the signs of abuse. Substance abuse including alcohol by the parents or caretakers. The parents or caretakers lack the necessary maturity to care for the child.
Parental expectations are inconsistent with the child's developmental abilities.
The family is experience high levels of stress from events such as loss of a job, increased financial burdens, serious illness, death in the family, separation or divorce. Adult members of the family have themselves been abused as children, either physically or sexually. These risk factors are not necessarily antecedents to abuse but they must be considered by physicians whenever physical or behavioral signs are suggestive of abuse. The situation can become more adversarial when the physician carries out the definitive medical assessment for abuse and eventually testifies against the parent in court. Definitions of abuse Physical abuse is defined as inflicted injury to a child and can range from minor bruises and lacerations to severe neuralgic trauma and death.