Short summary

Physical abuse in children are primarily seen in children under the age of 2 years old. And is unfortunately a frequent course of death.

In this study, we will describe the frequency of violence in children under the age of 2 years in the Southern part og Denmark. We will describe which signs and symptoms lead to the suspicion that a child has been physically abused, and the findings made during examination.

Rationale

In the Southern region of Denmark the examination of children under the age of 2 years, under suspicion for physical abuse is centered at H.C Andersens Childrens Hospital. The examination programme is standardised throughout the country.

Children should be protected against violence, but when a child is physically abused, it is important to be able to recognize and react on warning signs, so ensure correct examination and the onward safety of the child.

In this study, we will describe the frequency of violence in children under the age of 2 years in the Southern part og Denmark. We will describe which signs and symptoms lead to the suspicion that a child has been physically abused, and the findings made during examination.

Over the years, there is an increasing amount of media attention on parents who in their experience where wrongly accused of abusing their child physically.

This raises the question: do we examine to many or perhaps to few children on the suspicion of childabuse? We will seek the answer to this in this study.

Description of the cohort

The study includes all children under the age of 2 years, who undervent examination for Battered Child syndrom at H.C Andersens Childrens Hospital in the period 2017-2020.

Data and biological material

Data will be gathered retrospectively from patient charts, results from physical examination, radiological findings, blodsampling etc.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Hans Christian Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital

• Marianne Skytte Jakobsen
• Karin Lassen