What injuries may be associated with physical child abuse?

Physical child abuse, which is a form of child abuse, involves the willful infliction of pain and suffering on a child. Injuries commonly associated with physical abuse include:

• Fractures: Broken bones are a frequent indicator of physical mistreatment.1
• Bruises: Visible contusions are often present in cases involving the "battered child" syndrome.1

It is important to recognize that the spectrum of abuse is broad and may also include deliberate poisoning or the infliction of fictitious illnesses, such as Munchausen syndrome by proxy.1

Protecting children from violence is a fundamental moral imperative. Society has an ethical obligation to intervene when children are at risk, and most developed nations utilize child-protection agencies, social workers, and law enforcement to address these crimes.21

If you or someone you know is in danger, please contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 800-422-4453.2