[Clinical assessment of suspected child physical abuse].

[child syndrome]

Violence against children has many faces . Child physical abuse , neglect , sexual abuse and interparental violence can cause acute and permanent damage and affect children 's development and their life plans in the long term . In industrialized nations almost 1 child in 10 is affected . Up to 10 % of child physical abuse cases involve the central nervous system with 80 % of these cases occurring during the first year of life . Worldwide more than 50 ,000 children die as a result of violence , abuse and neglect every year , according to the United Nations Children 's Fund UNICEF . In Germany , there are about 120 cases of non-accidental head injury per year . In addition to the officially known cases there is a large grey area for all forms of violence . Recognition of these cases and the provision of help for the victims require an appropriate suspicion and understanding of the pertinent pathophysiology . Suspicion must be based on a well-documented medical history and multidisciplinary diagnostic assessment . Medical confidentiality prevents the disclosure of such information making early detection networks and guidelines for collaboration absolutely indispensable .