Identifying Child Abuse

SIGNS OF ABUSE IN BABIES AND KIDS

“If a baby isn’t cruising, crawling or getting around, a bruise would be worrisome unless there is an explanation,” says CHOC pediatrician and child abuse expert Dr. Daphne Wong. Another sign of abuse may be bruises in unusual places, like the abdomen or buttocks, she says. Dr. Wong also cites a new study which found that a history of bruising or oral injury in pre-cruising infants should raise suspicions of abuse. Another clue might be sudden behavior changes. “In older kids, if the child is acting out or suddenly becomes aggressive, something else might be going on,” says Dr. Wong.

RISK FACTORS

Child abuse doesn’t just occur in families with certain income levels or ethnic groups – it happens across the spectrum of all people, including intact and single-parent families, wealthy and lower-income families, says Dr. Wong, adding, “You can’t profile or make assumptions.” Two major risk factors are adults or parents under stress, including financial stress, and in house hold were there is substance abuse, she says.

PREVENTING CHILD ABUSE: TIPS FOR PARENTS

• Walk away. If a crying baby gets to you, and the child is fed, changed and fine, walk away from the child and take a break. “Close the door and go into another room so you don’t have to listen to the crying for a few minutes,” says Dr. Wong.
• When stressed or overwhelmed by childcare, reach out to others for help. Seek and build a support system by reaching out to friends, family, neighbors and other parents.
• Use your pediatrician as a resource for help and tips on ways to deal with or discipline your toddler.
• Hire a babysitter once a week to give yourself and your partner/ spouse some time away from the child.

Dr. Wong completed her residency in pediatrics at UCLA, where she was chief resident. She served on the faculty at UCLA Medical Center for four years as a part of the general pediatrics and child abuse teams. In 2002, Dr. Wong came to CHOC, where she has been actively involved with the residency program, educating residents, other physicians, the nursing staff, law enforcement officials and social services workers about child abuse issues.

Dr. Wong’s philosophy of care: “I enjoy watching my patients grow. I enjoy that I can have a small part in taking care of them and help a child grow healthy and lead a productive life.”

EDUCATION:
University of Utah School of Medicine

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS:
Pediatrics
Child Abuse Pediatrics