Editorial: Exploring child abuse from clinical, legal, and forensic perspectives - Report - MDSpire
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Editorial: Investigating Child Abuse Through Clinical, Legal, and Forensic Lenses

  • By

  • Donato Morena

  • Emanuela Turillazzi

  • Vittorio Fineschi

  • August 18, 2026

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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

  1. European Radiology, 2025 -- Post-mortem imaging in suspected child physical abuse: a systematic review
  2. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- Reframing child abuse and neglect research through a social work lens: a global bibliometric and thematic evolution analysis (2000–2025)
  3. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Institutional trauma, absence of accountability, and psychopathology in a juvenile serial homicide case
  4. Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR), 2026 -- Conversational AI for Child Abuse Detection Through Multistage Counseling: Model Development and Validation Study
  5. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Suspected Physical Abuse-Child: Update 2025 - ScienceDirect
  6. Single Bruise Characteristics Associated With Abusive vs Accidental Injury | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
  7. April 2016 A National Protocol for Sexual Abuse Medical Forensic Examinations Pediatric
  8. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Suspected Physical Abuse-Child: Update 2025 - ScienceDirect
  9. Single Bruise Characteristics Associated With Abusive vs Accidental Injury | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
  10. April 2016 A National Protocol for Sexual Abuse Medical Forensic Examinations Pediatric

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