Skip navigation; go directly to the content A-Z indexTable of contents
  
HomechaptersTriageHistoryPhysical ExaminationLaboratoryRadiologyDiagnosisDiagnosis: Overview Diagnosis: Sexual Abuse Diagnosis: Physical Abuse Diagnosis: Neglect Diagnosis: Emotional Abuse Diagnosis: Additional Resources DocumentationReportingFoster CareChildren and Adolescents with DisabilitiesJuvenile Sexualized BehaviorMultidisciplinary ApproachLegal IssuesAppendicesspacerAbout UsContactAcknowledgementsSupport and Endorsement  

DIAGNOSIS: Overview

The diagnosis of child abuse is based on the child's history, physical findings, and when appropriate, laboratory and evidentiary tests. This diagnosis is often complicated and depends on factors in addition to the medical evaluation. Formulating a conclusion and reaching a diagnosis of child abuse may require the assistance of a pediatric child abuse expert. The final determination of the crime of child abuse is ultimately a legal matter to be decided by the courts.

The suspicion of abuse is not the same as the diagnosis of abuse. Your suspicion, based on sufficient evidence, leads to a report to the State Central Register. This report results in further investigation by Child Protective Services and law enforcement. You should be ready to render opinions with regard to the significance, if any, of the medical findings and the likelihood the injury was inflicted. Although the burden of proof of who perpetrated the abuse lies with the investigators, the determination of the cause or possible causes of the injury is often critical to the legal case.


Key Concepts
line line Sexual Abuse

  • Genital bleeding
  • Spermatozoa and seminal plasma
  • Sexually transmitted diseases
  • Female circumcision or female genital mutilation
Physical Abuse
  • Findings suggestive of physical abuse
  • Culture-based practices that may be interpreted as abuse
Neglect

Emotional Abuse

  • Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy
Additional Resources

to top of page



 
 

 

line

© 2005-2023 All Rights Reserved
www.ChildAbuseMD.com
champ@upstate.edu
SUNY Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, New York

line
 

Diagnosis: Overview  Diagnosis: Sexual Abuse  Diagnosis: Physical Abuse  Diagnosis: Neglect  Diagnosis: Emotional Abuse  Diagnosis: Additional Resources  

Home  Table of Contents  Triage  History  Physical Examination  Laboratory  Radiology  Diagnosis  Treatment and Follow-Up  Documentation  Reporting  Foster Care  Children & Adolescents with Disabilities  Juvenile Sexualized Behavior  Multidisciplinary Approach  Legal Issues  Appendices  About Us  Contact  Acknowledgements  Support & Endorsements  Site Index