Child AbuseMedical Author:
Steven C Gabaeff, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor:
Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Jeter (Jay) Pritchard Taylor III, MD
Child Abuse IntroductionChild abuse is defined as a variety of abnormal behaviors directed against children. It can take many forms. Child abuse in general is a psychological problem or perversion of the abuser. The abuser is referred to as the perpetrator of abuse.
The descriptions of child abuse in the next section are intended for people who have questions about abuse, what it is, and how it may present itself. Although some cases of child abuse are obvious, many are not. Early recognition of child abuse tendencies and intervention at the point of recognition is the only way to avoid the liability of criminal prosecution. These descriptions may help you identify abuse in its various forms. You will also find information about what you can do if you observe child abuse or if you are a parent dealing with problems that are straining your capacity to cope with the parenting experience. If you think you are acting in an abusive way or are having a difficult time with your children or yourself as a parent, you may have identified a tendency to be abusive. These tendencies can include the following:
Tendencies can be treated more effectively than the frank abusive behavior that can evolve from a tendency. You will want to seek help early to avoid the tendency evolving into a criminal act of abuse. If you observe child abuse in others, you are obligated to report the abuse to the police or medical authorities. |
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Patient Rights
What can I do if I disagree with my HMO? What does the doctor have to tell me about my upcoming operation? Can I withhold medical treatment for my child? Does my teenager have to get permission for an abortion? Users of health care in America are asking these and many other questions concerning health care in America, and many groups are trying to define patients' rights.
In the rapidly changing atmosphere of health care, many factors have affected how health care is practiced. The rights of the patient have also been affected. Patient rights have recently become the center of national attention in the practice of medicine. The push for legislation of a patients' bill of rights is to provide laws that would prevent health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and other managed health plans from refusing to pay for appropriate care.
But what exactly does patient rights mean? Often, people do not realize their specific rights at the time ...
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Child Abuse & Neglect: Physical Abuse »
Physical abuse, a subset of child abuse, is defined in various ways by different states.
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