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The increase in child abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic: unmasking its hidden impact

Khaled Saad1, Ahmad Roshdy Ahmad2, Amira Elhoufey3,4

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt. khaled.ali@med.au.edu.eg.

Pediatric Research
|April 29, 2025
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic saw fewer child abuse hospitalizations but more severe pediatric injuries, indicating potential underreporting. Proactive interventions and reporting systems are crucial for child protection during crises.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric health
  • Public health
  • Child welfare

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted healthcare systems globally.
  • Concerns arose regarding the continuity and quality of care for non-COVID-19 conditions.
  • Child abuse and neglect are significant public health issues exacerbated by societal stressors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child abuse cases.
  • To investigate trends in pediatric hospital admissions and injury severity related to child abuse during the pandemic.
  • To identify factors contributing to increased risk of child abuse during crises.

Main Methods:

  • Review of hospital admission data for child abuse cases during the pandemic period.
  • Comparative analysis of injury severity, focusing on traumatic brain injuries.
  • Assessment of risk factors associated with child abuse during public health emergencies.

Main Results:

  • A decrease in overall hospital admissions for child abuse was observed.
  • A notable increase in the severity of injuries among pediatric cases was reported.
  • Traumatic brain injuries were disproportionately represented in severe pediatric cases.
  • The pandemic intensified risk factors for both parents and children, increasing vulnerability to abuse.

Conclusions:

  • The findings suggest potential underreporting of child abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Increased severity of injuries points to delayed or missed identification of abuse.
  • Strengthening child protection measures and reporting mechanisms is essential during public health crises.
Abstract

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