Changing clinical picture of non-accidental injury to children

The setting up of the South Glamorgan Area Review Committee and locally agreed procedures in 1974 has been associated with a considerable increase in observed moderately severe non-accidental injuries in children. The increase is in all age groups but is rising in older children. Most of the rise is likely to be due to increased community awareness. On the other hand, there has been a steady decrease in severe injuries, which may well be due to early recognition of minor or moderate injuries preventing the development of severe injuries.