Editorial: Investigating Child Abuse Through Clinical, Legal, and Forensic Lenses
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By
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Donato Morena
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Emanuela Turillazzi
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Vittorio Fineschi
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August 18, 2026
Clinical Report: Investigating Child Abuse Through Clinical, Legal, and Forensic Lenses
Overview
This editorial discusses the multifaceted nature of child abuse and neglect, emphasizing the importance of education and structured training for healthcare professionals to improve diagnostic awareness and reporting responsibilities.
Background
Child abuse and neglect represent significant public health issues that require collaboration across clinical, legal, and forensic domains. Effective identification and management of abuse necessitate a comprehensive understanding of its psychological, social, and legal implications.
Data Highlights
No specific numerical or trial data is provided in the source material.
Key Findings
- Initial recognition of child abuse is critical, followed by appropriate clinical evaluation and multidisciplinary analysis.
- Educational interventions can enhance physicians' diagnostic awareness regarding Child Abuse and Neglect (CAaN).
- Research indicates a shift in child abuse conceptualizations towards a public health and social welfare framework.
- Parental alienating behaviors are associated with significant psychological consequences in young adults.
- Current evaluations of pediatric abusive head trauma (AHT) should consider a comprehensive interpretation of clinical history and findings.
Clinical Implications
Healthcare professionals must be trained to recognize and respond to signs of child abuse effectively.
Conclusion
Addressing child abuse requires a collaborative approach that integrates clinical, legal, and forensic insights.
Related Resources & Content
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- Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Institutional trauma, absence of accountability, and psychopathology in a juvenile serial homicide case
- Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR), 2026 -- Conversational AI for Child Abuse Detection Through Multistage Counseling: Model Development and Validation Study
- ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Suspected Physical Abuse-Child: Update 2025 - ScienceDirect
- Single Bruise Characteristics Associated With Abusive vs Accidental Injury | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
- April 2016 A National Protocol for Sexual Abuse Medical Forensic Examinations Pediatric
- ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Suspected Physical Abuse-Child: Update 2025 - ScienceDirect
- Single Bruise Characteristics Associated With Abusive vs Accidental Injury | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
- April 2016 A National Protocol for Sexual Abuse Medical Forensic Examinations Pediatric
Based on findings from:
Editorial: Exploring child abuse from clinical, legal, and forensic perspectives
Donato Morena, Emanuela Turillazzi, Vittorio Fineschi. Frontiers In Pediatrics, 2026.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pediatrics/articles/10.3389/fped.2026.1963583/full
This content is an AI-generated, fully rewritten summary based on a published scholarly article. It does not reproduce the original text and is not a substitute for the original publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the source for full context, data, and methodology.