Overview
Pediatrics and Child Health Child Abuse is a serious public health issue that affects the welfare of children and adolescents across the world. It is a form of maltreatment of a child or minor, where physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological abuse is inflicted, usually by a caregiver or other person in a position of power or authority. This can include neglect, exploitation, and trafficking. Child abuse has damaging long-term physical, mental, and emotional consequences for the child, including increased risk of morbidity and mortality, as well as increased risk of perpetuating the cycle of abuse into adulthood. To address this, a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to prevention, detection, assessment, and treatment of child abuse is required, based on the principles of human rights and the needs of the particular child. This includes increasing public awareness, promoting protective behaviours, providing supportive services, and implementing legislation to protect the rights of children. Effective interventions, such as parenting education and family therapy, are essential to reduce the occurrence of child abuse and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children.