Battered child syndrome

Alternative names:

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

Prevention:

Recognition of pending abuse can help prevent actual abuse. Warning signs are:

• a previous abuse history (previous abuse of the child or the child's siblings)
• lack of apparent parental love or concern
• failure to maintain the child's proper hygiene or care
• parental alcohol or drug problems
• parental emotional problems or mental illness
• a history of abuse in the parent's childhood
• high stress factors in the family life

Intervention with counseling when any of these factors are present may prevent abuse. Watchful guidance and support from the extended family, friends, clergy or other supportive persons or groups may prevent abuse or at least lead to early intervention in cases of abuse.