Physical abuse of children

Larry B. Silver

pp. 89-98

in: William E. Fann, Robert H. Williams, Robert R. Williams, Robert C. Williams, Comstock (eds), Phenomenology and treatment of psychiatric emergencies, Berlin, Springer, 1984

Abstract

Psychiatric emergencies with children and adolescents may be the result of a direct crisis with the youth, such as physical trauma, or the consequence of a broader crisis, such as injury or death of a close family member, or may reflect the impact of being the victim of a complex act of violence. Physical abuse and sexual abuse of children and adolescents are sad examples of this latter type. This chapter focuses on physical abuse and neglect of children and the psychiatric consequences.