Citation

Jacobi G, Dettmeyer R, Banaschak S, Brosig B, Herrmann B. Dtsch. Arztebl. Int. 2010; 107(13): 231-239.

Affiliation

Abteilung fur padiatrische Neurologie, Zentrum der Kinderheilkunde und Jugendmedizin, Klinikum der Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universitat Frankfurt a.M.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Deutscher Ärzte-Verlag)

DOI

10.3238/arztebl.2010.0231

PMID

20396522

PMCID

PMC2855177

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The findings of studies on the frequency of violence against children imply that many cases go undetected. METHODS: Selective literature review based on a search of different databases for publications on all types of violence against children, except sexual abuse. RESULTS: The physical abuse of children can involve blunt trauma, thermal injury, and the so-called shaking trauma syndrome (STS). Physical and psychological child neglect have very serious long-term effects. It can be difficult to draw a clear distinction of child abuse and neglect on the one hand, and acceptable behavior on the other, because of the varying social acceptance of certain child-raising practices. Münchhausen's syndrome by proxy (MSbP) is a rare, special type of child abuse. CONCLUSION: At the beginning of the 21(st) century, well-established normative structures are in place to protect children against abuse and neglect, and the available help from social organizations can also have a preventive effect. Further improvements will depend on interdisciplinary coordination and better training of specialists in all of the involved disciplines.

Language: en