Main description:

This book offers an interdisciplinary approach to child abuse providing a comprehensive overview of the topic. From fetal life to adolescence, various patterns of child abuse are described in 23 chapters with highlight on early diagnostic features and differential diagnoses. Data on psychological and domestic violence is also presented. Readers will improve their knowledge in the field of child abuse, helping to identify such situations at onset and subsequently prevent recurrences.

This volume outlines and summarizes the main different judicial processes for child abuse around the world. The book also provides the unique angle and information from experts in France, who unlike other countries, are fully independent of all other parties i.e. judges, prosecutors and families, thus having a unique insight to the origin and context of the violence. Insight to their approach can lead to better prevention of abuse around the world.

Written by a panel of authors including paediatricians, radiologists, forensic scientists, a judge, a magistrate and a psychologist, this book is of interest to professionals involved in pediatrics healthcare, students, medical doctors or nurses. Beyond the field of health, the book may also concern professionals of social and judicial areas who deal with child abuse.

Contents:

Introduction (authors)

1) Historical approach

C Rey-Salmon, paediatrician and forensics MD

2) Definitions and epidemiological data

A Tursz, paediatrician and epidemiologist MD, PhD

3) Inflicted cutaneous lesions and burns

- Skin: B Tisseron, pediatrician and forensics MD, M Piram, dermatologisMD, PhD, C Rey Salmon, MD

- Burns: Pr MP Vazquez, pediatric and plastic surgeon et al

4) Inflicted skeletal injuries

Pr M Panuel, radiologist MD et al

5) Inflicted injuries of brain and spinal cord

Pr C Adamsbaum, radiologist MD et al

6) Inflicted chest and abdominal injuries

C Veyrac, radiologist MD, Pr F Gauthier, surgeon MD

7) Retinal hemorrhages

S Defoort-Dhellemmes, ophthalmologist MD et al

8) Inflicted lesions of the neck, face and mouth

Pr MP Vazquez, pediatric and plastic surgeon MD et al

9) Sexual aggressions and female mutilations

M Bellaiche, gastro enterologists MD and C Rey-Salmon, MD

10) Chemical submission

I Sec, forensic scientist MD

11) Neglected and deprived child

Pr M Roussey, pediatrician MD et al

12) Psychological abuse

G Vila, MD, psychiatrist PhD and M Leray (psychologist)

13) Munchausen by proxy syndrome

M Nathanson, pediatrician MD

14) Particular patterns of abuse

- Fetuses: C Colmant, gynecologist MD et al

- Adolescents: G Picherot, pediatrician MD et al

15) Children into domestic violence

E Durand (judge)

16) Autopsy and histological data

C Rambaud, pathologist and forensic scientist MD, PhD

17) Post mortem imaging

Pr G Gorincour, radiologist et al

18) Diagnostic strategies and recommendations

C Rey-Salmon, MD et Pr C Adamsbaum, MD

19) Position of the caregiver

P Vasseur (nurse in a forensic unit)

20) Judicial processes. Basic principles throughout the world.

S. Barbier Sainte Marie (prosecutor)