Child abuse: a time for new awareness

There were 7602 cases of confirmed child abuse and neglect in Oklahoma in 1989. Twenty-five children died from abuse during the fiscal year. Physician training in diagnosis and management of child abuse must be expanded. Physicians are required by state statute to report all cases of suspected abuse to the Department of Human Services. Sexual abuse of children appears to be increasing. A coordinated multidisciplinary effort which involves physicians can help manage this threat to childrens' health.