Battered child syndrome

Alternative names:

battered child; child abuse; non-accidental trauma (NAT); shaken baby; shaken baby syndrome

Definition:

Refers to children who have undergone physical abuse that has left them with both physical and psychological trauma. The Child Abuse Prevention, Adoption, and Family Services Act of 1988 defines child abuse and neglect as "physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of a child by a person who is responsible for the child's welfare, under circumstances which indicate that the child's health or welfare is harmed or threatened." (U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services)

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Physical abuse of children occurs throughout every social strata, although there may be an increased incidence among those living in poverty. Abuse often occurs at moments of great stress, and the perpetrator strikes out in anger at the child. The perpetrator may also have been abused as a child and may have poor impulse control. Because of the relative size and strength difference between adults and children, the abused child can be severely injured or killed. Abuse frequently occurs from shaking an infant, which causes bleeding over the brain (subdural hematoma) and is often referred to as 'shaken baby syndrome'.The incidence of child abuse is remarkably high and fairly accurately reported. The total abuse rate is 25.2 per 1000 children with physical abuse counting for 5.7 per 1000, sexual abuse 2.5 per 1000, emotional abuse 3.4 per 1000 and neglect accounting for the vast majority 15.9 per 1000 children. Risk factors include poverty, lack of education, single parenthood, alcohol or drug abuse and a host of other factors. However, child abuse occurs in all strata of society.