Child Abuse and Neglect and the Burden of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Families: A Series of Cases Consulted at the German Medical Child Protection Hotline.

Abstract

Increased stress and decreased resources during a lockdown and social distancing can augment the risk for child abuse and neglect during the COVID-19 pandemic.Health practitioners should continue to be prepared for potentially rising numbers of cases of child abuse and neglect.Child protection services and mental health care should be considered essential and be available for adults and children at all times.