Child abuse

Preview

Child abuse can take a number of forms. Most prevalent and most publicized are physical and sexual abuse. However, emotional abuse that destroys a child's positive self-image, whether from chronic belittling or from physical or sexual abuse, can leave scars that long outlast many physical or sexual injuries. Dr Altieri enumerates the devastating effects of child abuse and neglect that should alert primary care physicians and offers some practical advice on what steps to take once suspicion is aroused.