This article highlights NIJ-funded research projects that address the challenges of identifying pediatric injuries that stem from physical abuse.
This article reviews current research literature on trauma-related fatalities in children, addressing some challenges in the ability to recognize physical abuse in pediatric patients because of the normal injuries, such as broken bones and bruises, that occur during normal age-appropriate activities. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has funded academic institutions and medical examiners’ offices to research the determination of intentional versus accidental trauma in infants and children, with projects such as modeling skull fractures, applying biochemical engineering techniques to determine fracture potential, identifying bruising patterns, and using advanced imaging technologies to capture minute injuries from suspected head trauma. The article is divided into the following sections: skull fractures; bruises; and injury identification and documentation in autopsies. It also provides a listing of the NIJ awards highlighted in the article as well as endnotes with research report citations.