Child physical abuse and neglect

This course is divided into four detailed units, each focusing on different aspects of child physical abuse and neglect.

Unit 1: Introduction
The first unit defines child maltreatment according to the World Health Organisation. It covers the prevalence of child abuse, the types of abuse (physical, emotional, neglect, and sexual), and introduces the legal obligation of healthcare professionals to report suspected abuse. Participants will learn the processes of mandatory reporting, the protections for reporters, and the penalties for failure to report​.

Unit 2: Injuries in General
This unit provides an overview of the types of injuries commonly seen in cases of child abuse. Topics include bruises, abrasions, burns, lacerations, and bite marks. Detailed descriptions help distinguish between accidental injuries and those resulting from abuse. The unit includes clinical images to support the identification of trauma patterns, such as tramline bruises, imprint bruises, and ligature marks, while also covering differential diagnoses like dermatological conditions​.

Unit 3: Presenting Features and Injuries
In this unit, participants explore the presenting features of child physical abuse and neglect. The module emphasises the role of the GP in identifying suspicious injuries, such as bruises inconsistent with the child's developmental stage, and injuries in high-risk areas like the face, neck, and buttocks. GPs will also learn about the risk factors associated with caregivers and children, including family dynamics and prior involvement with child protection services​.

Unit 4: The Role of the GP
The final unit focuses on the responsibilities of GPs in preventing, detecting, and responding to child abuse. This unit stresses the importance of early intervention, appropriate referrals to child protection services, and ongoing management of the child and family. It highlights the GP's role in long-term care and monitoring of at-risk families, ensuring a comprehensive approach to safeguarding the child’s welfare​.

This course equips healthcare professionals with the practical skills needed to recognise, report, and manage cases of child physical abuse and neglect, fostering better protection and care for vulnerable children.