Current Issues in Physical Abuse

Abstract

Dr. Palusci begins with a review of the definitions and history of what we now call physical abuse, highlighting the patterns of injuries and epidemiologic risk factors which have shaped our understanding and approach current practices in identification, evaluation, treatment and services. Looking at key medical issues in diagnosis, he discusses skin lesions, fractures, head trauma and other injuries and their public health harms, costs, the impact of cultural practices, and aspects of our societal responses to physical abuse. He then reviews our current understanding of physical abuse prevention and what is needed in future policy and research to address this devastating form of child maltreatment.