Child abuse is considered among the most severe forms of childhood trauma due to its repeatability, and to its being performed by those closest to the victim. Its diagnosis is very difficult, and therefore so is its treatment. Its physical, psychological and social consequences appear in the long run. In this study we report a three-year-old girl who was physically and emotionally abused, and we discuss the risk factors and the approach to child neglect and abuse. The awareness, experience and motivation of the physician are extremely important for diagnosis. The hospital staff who are to evaluate and follow child abuse and neglect are rather sparse in our country. The existing child abuse and neglect groups are near establishment or are maturing. This subject requires urgent cooperation among related subspecialties and a working outline to be established.

Keywords: çocuk istismarı, çocuk ihmali, child abuse, child neglect