health

The diagnosis of child abuse can be complicated because some types of
abuse do not leave physical evidence. Teachers, police, doctors, dentists,
and in some states clergy are required by law to report suspected child
abuse to local law enforcement. Although each state sets its own policies
for investigation and protective action, in most states the police and child
protective services will investigate the situation and if appropriate,
remove the child from the home temporarily or permanently. Final decisions
about the child’s placement are usually made through the state’s
family court system.
The child will be given a complete physical examination to look for
evidence of traumatic injuries. X rays, computed tomography (CT)
scans, or other imaging studies are usually ordered to check for evidence
of fractures, bleeding in the brain, damage to the eyes or internal organs,
and other injuries. The child may be given a blood test to check for sexually
transmitted diseases. The doctor will also rule out a few rare bone or
blood diseases that can cause the skin to bruise easily or bones to fracture
from very minor injuries.