Trauma in children due to child abuse - own experience

Objectives. The aim of study was evaluation of types of trauma and frequency of hospitalization among children due to child abuse. Material and methods. In the Department of Paediatric Surgery and Urology, Polish Mother's Health Institute, between 2001-2007 28 children (12 girls and 16 boys) aged from 2 months to 17 years were hospitalized due to traumatic lesions resulting from abuse in the family. Medical records of victims were analysed. We evaluated the age of children, types of traumatic lesions in our patients and who was the child abuser. Results. Since 2004 the number of maltreated children has decreased, however large number of very small children (below 7 years of age) in this group (13/28) is distressing. The most common types of trauma were: generalized trauma and head trauma. Three children were sexually abused. Conclusions. 1. Among children abused in the family, a large number are very small children, below 7 years of age. 2. Sexual abuse of small children is an alarming fact.