Child Maltreatment and Neglect

Abstract

Emergency medicine clinicians are mandated reporters, legally, which obligates clinicians to report any behavior suspicious for child maltreatment to local authorities. Pediatric patients often present to the emergency department with concern for physical injury and other pervasive complaints. In some cases, these injuries are nonaccidental. To appropriately advocate and protect children from further physical and emotional trauma, it is important for clinicians to recognize the signs and symptoms of child maltreatment and sexual abuse.

Keywords: Child abuse; Child maltreatment; Child neglect; Child physical abuse; Child sexual abuse; Nonaccidental trauma.