Abuse/Violence Flashcards
Who are the victims of child abuse?
Infants. 2/3 or all abuse victims are under 1 year of age. 80% are under 3 years of age.
This makes sense; it’s harder to abuse an older more mature kid.
T/F: kids who are abused in the past are likely to be abused again.
T
T/F: Step kids are more likely to be abused
T
Types of child abuse
Physical
Emotional
Sexual
Neglect
Physical abuse comprises what % of all abuse cases?
66%
The most common type of physical abuse, that we’re gonna see as physicians, are ______
Bruises.
This is tricky because kids normally have bruises. So we have to be suspicious and discerning about the cause of our pt’s bruises.
Normal bruises are normally on bony prominences. But if they’re on soft tissue (butt, back, trunk, genitalia, cheeks, ears/neck)…
Should babies have bruises?
No. It’s abuse until proven otherwise.
Not only should you pay attention to whether or not bruises exist, their location, but also….
The PATTERN of bruises. Eg. Handprints, belt marks, loop marks, multiple bruises in various stages of healing.
The 2nd kind of physical abuse, aside from bruises, is _____.
CNS injuries…
eg. Shaken Baby Syndrome. Brain literally bounces back and forth in the skull. Catastrophic!
It only takes one violent shake…
3rd most common physical abuse injury….?
Burns. 6-20% of physical abuse.
Eg. Cigarette burns, brands, immersion burns (scalding water on stove…sparing around diaper area if immersed).
This is SCARY because it takes premeditation of parent.
The responsible physician should take a thorough medical history, and pay special attention to what 3 things?
- If story and injury don’t match up…“My baby fell off the couch”
- Parent blames the injury on a sibling.
- Story doesn’t match the child’s developmental stage.
“Baby rolled off and hit the floor…except 1 month old’s don’t roll!”
DCFS
Department of Child and Family Services
report cases of abuse here
Sexual abuse definition
Any sexual behavior that the child is forced to partake in…genital, oral, anal contact, sexting, child porn, exhibitionism…
Every year, what percent of kids are sexually abused?
1%
The responsible physician should
Clearly document, gather forensics, report to DCSF, be sensitive.
Emotional abuse…definition?
Repeated pattern of damaging interactions between caregivers and the child that conveys to that child that s/he’s not loved or wanted.
Which form of abuse do you not report?
Emotional abuse. Instead we are supporting and educating, not reporting. Engage in an open conversation with a parent…
For emotional abuse, in severe cases, you should file a report to DCFS. T/F.
False most of the time. You can refer to anger management classes or parenting classes.
Neglect…definition?
Failure to provide: food, shelter, clothing, love, education, medical care…
T/F: neglect of kids is usually a deliberate act
False. Typically parents are themselves struggling with their own illnesses or abuse.
True/False: neglect includes actual, but not potential harm.
False. Britney Spears driving photo.
It includes both actual, and potential. Not having smoke detectors. Having a loaded gun out in the open.
T/F: We are all mandated reporters.
T: We are medical personnel now. All docs and med personnel should do it.
“Will I get in trouble if I make a report, if there’s no true abuse occurring?”
No. As long as you act in good faith, you’re immune from punitive action.
“What if I don’t report suspected abuse?”
Class A misdemeanor
Loss of Medical License
