Is child maltreatment a health issue for children and adults?
A. Yes. To begin with, many abused and neglected children start their lives with significant health problems. For example, some are born with low birthweights because their mothers have not had adequate prenatal care. Other children are prenatally exposed to illegal drugs, alcohol, HIV/AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases. Research has shown that children who are born with these and other health problems are especially vulnerable to maltreatment when their parents do not have needed parenting skills or are unable to manage the stress that comes with providing for their special care needs. Some children require immediate medical assistance to treat the injuries that result from physical or sexual abuse. For example, infants who survive being shaken, slapped, hit, or tossed against a wall are likely to require care for physical trauma leading to blindness, brain injury, and retardation. Children who are neglected often miss routine immunizations and pediatric care. Others have n
