[Child abuse by intoxication]

Child abuse by toxic substances is not easy to identify due to both the lack of signs of physical violence and the high incidence of accidental poisonings. Twelve cases of documented abuse, out of 6175 poisonings in children aged 0-13 years, were registered during 1975-1990 at Genova, Torino and Trieste Children Hospitals. In other 139 children the suspicion of abuse couldn't be confirmed. An early suspicion of abuse, is needed to prevent abuse and help the child and his family.