Treatment:

Treatment of the abused child may include nutritional and mental health therapy.

It may be necessary to remove the child from the home to prevent further abuse.

Anyone who suspects child abuse should report the matter to Child Protective Services or the police. The goal of child protective agencies is to reunite families after the abuser has received help.

The law requires health care workers, school employees, and child care professionals to report suspected abuse.

Treatment for abusers may involve parenting classes and treatment for mental illness, alcohol, or drug abuse.

Support Groups:

There are many support groups available, including:

Prevent Child Abuse America - www.preventchildabuse.org

Expectations (prognosis):

With treatment, many children and parents can be reunited as a family. The long-term outcome depends on the severity of abuse, how long the child was abused, the success of psychotherapy, and how well parenting classes worked.

Complications:

As in all forms of child abuse, severe injury or death are possible.

Other long-term problems may include a lack of self confidence, depression, rebellious behavior, and becoming an abuser during adulthood.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your primary health care provider if a child has unexplained behavior changes, physical changes such as unexplained injuries, weight loss, or severe tiredness.

Remember that suspected child abuse of any form must be reported to the authorities.