ABSTRACT
I. Child Abuse A. Child abuse is dened as single or multiple nonaccidental inju-
ries with a similar pattern occurring to a child. B. In dealing with children who may be victims of abuse, it is very
important to know normal growth and development stages, including the following:
1. Less than 25% of infants roll over before 3 months of age. 2. Most do not crawl well before 9-10 months of age. 3. e ability to turn a circular knob does not occur before 2
years of age. 4. Falling from a height less than 3-4 feet does not commonly
cause skull fractures. C. Injuries occurring on dierent planes of the body at the same
time should raise suspicion for further investigation. D. Children are frontal explorers, so normal injuries should be fron-
tal: bumps to the forehead, lip, nose. E. It is a natural instinct to protect the thorax, genitalia, abdomen,
sides, and back during a fall or burn injury, so contusions, abrasions, burns, and lacerations to these areas should raise suspicion and warrant further investigation.
