NCJ Number
133819
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 60 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1991) Pages: 8-11
Date Published
1991
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article explains the Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSBP) and discusses how officers should approach the investigation of this child abuse.
Abstract
In MSBP, the abuser, usually the mother, fabricates the child's illness and abuses the child requiring hospitalization for tests or observation of symptoms. MSBP should be suspected if illnesses in children remain unexplained after medical testing and there is a history of multiple visits to different hospitals and physicians. A team approach is warranted in the investigation of suspected cases that should include medical staff, child protection teams, social services personnel, and hospital administrators as well as prosecutors and law enforcement personnel. A particularly effective way to obtain evidence of this type of abuse is to use concealed cameras to videotape evidence. This requires a court order. Other relevant evidence such as tubing, syringes, and needles should be collected from the hospital, especially in cases of suspected poisoning. Arrest of the offender should not occur in front of the child. An effective interview with the offender should be carried out in a neutral manner to help the offender recognize the problem and to be aware that the offender does love the child and was probably abused as a child. 2 footnotes