Child abuse and neglect

Abstract

A six-year-old girl and her older sister are brought by their father to be evaluated for a history of cough, runny nose, and low-grade fever. In addition to signs of a cold, the physician notes that the girl's nasal bridge is quite swollen and bruised. When asked what happened, she innocently shrugs her shoulders, and her father's only conjecture is that since she sleepwalks she might have bumped into something. The father sits impatiently, but as questioning progresses becomes increasingly defensive, at one point angrily declaring “we don't beat our kids, if that's what you're asking.” Further complicating the situation is information from several nurses that this family is “on the brink” both socially and financially, and that additional stress is likely “to blow this family apart.” What is child abuse and neglect? The term child abuse encompasses physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, and neglect –though the phrase “child abuse and neglect” is also common parlance. In its typical usage, child abuse refers to actions (or failures to act) by a parent or caregiver that result in serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation, or imminent risk of serious harm. Why are ethical issues regarding child abuse and neglect important? What could be more simple than the ethics of child abuse? For those who commit it, don't. For everyone else, do what you can to protect children from it.