Citation

Moles RL, Asnes AG. Pediatr. Clin. North Am. 2014; 61(5): 1023-1036.

Affiliation

Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, PO Box 208064, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.pcl.2014.06.009

PMID

25242713

Abstract

Uncertainty in the diagnosis of abuse can have profound implications for the health and safety of the child, the emotional burden of a family, and investigative and criminal proceedings. A logical algorithm for addressing physical and sexual abuse cases that details aspects contributing to the uncertainty may aid the clinician in making a diagnosis and in communicating the crucial details to the relevant investigative agencies. This article defines and discusses uncertainty in the realms of physical and sexual abuse, and suggests an approach to managing uncertainty while still providing valuable information for the medical and child protective service systems.

Language: en