Child abuse is defined as the purposeful physical injury of a kid or the non-accidental neglect of child care by a child's parents or guardians. Child abuse can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including neglect, physical mistreatment, sexual bullying, and emotional maltreatment (Fischer & Palusci, 2011).
Babies range in age from one to twelve months. Babies are vulnerable to the shaken baby syndrome, commonly known as abusive head trauma (Mian et al., 2015). Shaken baby syndrome is caused by violently shaking an infant, which causes brain cell damage by preventing the child's brain from receiving adequate oxygen (Mian, et al., 2015). Shaken baby syndrome can quickly lead to death or permanent complication in infants who suffer it. The signs and symptoms of shaken baby syndrome include:
the child becomes extremely irritated
the child spent much time awake since they have difficulty in getting sleep
The infant experiences problems in breathing.
Lack of appetite which leads to poor eating habits
Other signs and symptoms include tremor, vomiting, pale skin, seizures, paralysis, and coma.
According to data by National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, in America 1200 to 1400 infants suffer this syndrome (Mian et al., 2015). Out of these infants, 25-30% die while the rest suffer permanent complications in their lives.
In New York, if a professional comes across child abuse or suspects child abuse based on professional experience or training, need to report to the case to the Office of Children and Family services, NYC Administration for Children’s services or any other relevant institution where the matter could be handled (Fischer & Palusci, 2011). The institution to which the case is reported to therefore assumes responsibility and is legally obligated to look into the issue.
References
Fischer, H., & Palusci, V. J. (2011). Child Abuse & Neglect: A Diagnostic Guide for Physicians, Surgeons, Pathologists, Dentists, Nurses and Social Workers. London: CRC Press.
Mian, M., Shah, J., Dalpiaz, A., Schwamb, R., Miao, Y., Warren, K., & Khan, S. (2015). Shaken Baby Syndrome: A Review. Fetal & Pediatric Pathology, 34(3), 169-175. doi:10.3109/15513815.2014.999394
