Battered child syndrome is a term used to refer to children who are deliberately injured, usually by a parent or other person in a position of authority. Such incidents not only can result in physical harm, but can leave the child emotionally scarred for the remainder of life.
Physical abuse can lead to bruises, fractures and, tragically, in some cases death.
An abuser will often deny that abuse has occurred by claiming the injuries are due to an accident. If the child is wounded repeatedly, however, or if there is evidence of injury on other areas of the body, it is a warning sign that abuse has occurred. Emotional abuse can be equally damaging to a child. This type of abuse may consist of depriving the child of love and attention, or by delivering verbal belittlement or threats. Emotional abuse is often the most difficult to prove, because the damage occurs on the inside, where the scars are hidden from view.