Siblings of a child suspected of experiencing physical abuse should also be screened for abusive injuries, according to a new international consensus statement led by researchers at UCL (University College London) and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH).
The team of 27 researchers, from six different continents, are calling for a policy change to stop inconspicuous injuries being missed in contact children (i.e. siblings, cohabiting children, or children who are under the same care), and to help prevent further abuse.
Physical abuse is a common but preventable cause of long-term childhood illness and death. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 300 million children aged 2-4 years regularly suffer physical punishment and/or psychological violence at the hands of parents and/or caregivers.
