NCJ Number
45634
Date Published
1977
Length
82 pages
Annotation
THIS VOLUME IS INTENDED AS A GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE COMMITTEE'S FINDINGS AND INCLUDES A TOPICAL REVIEW OF THE COMMITTEE'S COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE TESTIMONY.
Abstract
IN THE COURSE OF ITS INQUIRY, THE COMMITTEE DISCERNED 4 PATTERNS OF NONACCIDENTAL INJURY TO CHILDREN: (1) SEVERE INJURY -- MULTIPLE MANIFESTATIONS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE INCURRED OVER A PERIOD OF BETWEEN 1 AND 10 MONTHS AND EVIDENCED BY BODY FRACTURES AND BRUISES, LACERATIONS PARTICULARLY AROUND THE HEAD AND FACE, PERIODS OF UNCONSCIOUSNESS, POISONING, MALNUTRITION, DEHYDRATION, AND INFECTIONS; (2) MODERATE INJURY -- SINGLE OR MULTIPLE EPISODES OFTEN OCCURRING OVER A PERIOD OF 1 TO 8 YEARS AND EVIDENCED BY SKULL OR FACIAL BONE INJURY, OR SUMMONSED MONTHLY IN TORONTO FOR PROPERTY AND VIOLENT FRACTURES; (3) MILD INJURY -- EVIDENCED BY BRUISING BUT NO FRACTURES; AND (4) SEVERE OR MODERATE PRIVATION OF FOOD, FLUIDS, WARMTH, MEDICAL TREATMENT AND SUBJECTION TO INTENSE PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESSES, REJECTIONS, AND MENTAL ASSAULT. THE PEAK INCIDENCE OF SUCH SEVERE DEGREES OF INJURY WAS FOUND TO OCCUR FOR THE MOST IN CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 2 YEARS (A PROPORTION AS HIGH AS 90 PERCENT IS UNDER 6 MONTHS) AND CERTAINLY LESS THAN 14 MONTHS. IT WAS ALSO NOTED THAT A HIGH PROPORTION OF CHILDREN SEEN IN ROUTINE MEDICAL PRACTICE ARE THE VICTIMS OF NONACCIDENTAL INJURY AND ABUSE. IT APPEARS THAT AT LEAST 15 PERCENT OF THE CHILDREN SEEN IN ROUTINE HOSPITAL MEDICAL PRACTICE ARE THE VICTIMS OF PARENTAL VIOLENCE, PARTICULARLY CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 2 YEARS WHO ARE SEEN IN CASUALTY DEPARTMENTS FOR TREATMENT OF FRACTURES AND GENERAL INJURIES. IT WAS ALSO NOTED THAT, ON THE WHOLE, BOYS AND GIRLS ARE AFFECTED EQUALLY AND THAT MOTHERS ARE MORE RESPONSIBLE FOR SUCH INJURIES, ALTHOUGH BOTH PARENTS ARE FREQUENTLY INVOLVED. THE EFFECTS, INCIDENCE, AND CAUSES OF SUCH ABUSE ARE DISCUSSED, AS IS THE RIGHTFUL ROLE OF GOVERNMENT IN TREATMENT AND PREVENTION EFFORTS. THE REPORT COMMENTS ON AND OFFERS SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING ABUSE PREVENTION THROUGH PARENTHOOD PREPARATION AND PARENT COUNSELING; THE ROLE OF THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE (AS IN DAYCARE FACILITIES, CHILD MINDERS, AND PRESCHOOL PLAYGROUPS); RESEARCH AND PUBLIC CONTACT THROUGH CENTERS FOR VIOLENCE IN THE FAMILY; COORDINATION OF PREVENTION AND PROTECTION EFFORTS THROUGH CONFERENCES, AREA REVIEW COMMITTEES, AND REGISTERS OF CHILDREN AT RISK; POLICE RELATIONS AND TRAINING; HEALTH SERVICES DESIGNED TO PREVENT ABUSE AND FOR CHILDREN WHO HAVE SUFFERED ABUSE; ACCESS TO AND TRAINING AND STAFFING OF SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES FOR CHILDREN WHO HAVE SUFFERED NONACCIDENTAL INJURY; AND VARIOUS LEGAL ISSUES SUCH AS FAMILY COURTS, THE CHILDREN ACT, ACCESS TO CHILDREN AT RISK, RULES OF EVIDENCE, AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. LISTS OF WITNESSES, OF MEMORANDUMS INCLUDED IN THE MINUTES OF EVIDENCE, AND OF APPENDIXES ARE INCLUDED. A SUMMARY GUIDE TO SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS IS ALSO INCLUDED. (KBL)