Abstract
Child abuse has existed in every culture throughout the history of man. It is defined as all behaviors impairing child growth and development. This concept consists of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and child neglect. Although it is a common problem, a multidisciplinary approach is lacking. It is generally underestimated because of lack of evidence, inadequate knowledge and cultural factors. Child abuse is diagnosed only if trauma is severe. If the simple signs of child abuse are not diagnosed or reported they may result in severe healthproblems. All physicians, especially pediatricians, who more often face these victims, must be aware of the symptoms and signs of child abuse. A multidisciplinary approach is essential in child abuse, and psychiatric evaluation for the child and the family is an important part of this approach. Physicians have an ethical and moral responsibility in the diagnosis and therapy in addition to reporting abuse to legal authorities.
Keywords: çocuk istismarı, çocuk ihmali, koruyucu pediatri, child abuse, child neglect, preventive pediatrics.