Recognizing Child Maltreatment

Learn the different forms of childhood maltreatment and best practices on how to assess abuse.

Forensic subspecialties and research in early child adversities have established a knowledge base for best practices in early detection of and intervention with families struggling with abuse issues. The high incidence and prevalence of abuse makes it imperative that all providers acquire the skill set for maximizing patients' comfort with disclosing. A provider who understands the implications of patterned injuries and mimics of abuse, and appropriately responds with supportive resources, has the potential to change the trajectory of health for the entire family they serve. This information provides the participants with communication tips for facilitating open communications with family members at various stages in denial and abuse. As mandatory reporters, health providers have a responsibility to educate themselves on child maltreatment emotional, behavioral and physical findings. Additionally, providers have an ethical responsibility to care for themselves in the process of attending to the suffering of their patients around these sensitive issues. This topic will offer suggestions for metabolizing daily exposures to vicarious trauma as well.