Citation

McDonald KC. Am. Fam. Physician 2007; 75(2): 221-228.

Affiliation

Family Medicine Residency Program, Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, USA. kelly.c.mcdonald@us.army.mil

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, American Academy of Family Physicians)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

17263217

Abstract

Child abuse is a common diagnosis in the United States and should be considered any time neglect or emotional, physical, or sexual abuse is a possibility. Although home visitation programs have been effective in preventing child maltreatment, much of the approach to and management of child abuse is directed by expert opinion or legal mandate. Any suspicion of abuse must be reported to Child Protective Services. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended to adequately evaluate and treat child abuse victims; however, the responsibility often lies with the family physician to recognize and treat these cases at first presentation to prevent significant morbidity and mortality.

Language: en