The AAP Council on Child Abuse and Neglect (COCAN) has put together information on AAP policies, AAP resources, partner resources and more for pediatricians and other pediatric health care providers to learn more about child abuse and neglect.


Child Abuse and Neglect Overview

In 2023, more than 500,000 children in US experienced abuse or neglect, while more than 1,900 children died from abuse and neglect. Child abuse and neglect encompasses physical abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse and neglect, and is sometimes referred to as child maltreatment. Child abuse and neglect is a public health problem that poses a health risk for children who lack safe, stable nurturing relationships and socioeconomic supports that can mitigate the negative effects of social drivers of health.

Policies and Recommendations

Clinical Report

Evaluating Young Children With Fractures for Child Abuse

Clinical Report

The Pediatrician’s Role in Preventing Child Maltreatment

Technical Report

Abusive Head Trauma in Infants and Children

Clinical Report: Intimate Partner Violence: Role of the Pediatrician

Discover how pediatricians can effectively respond to intimate partner violence.

All Policies from the Council on Child Abuse and Neglect

Explore essential resources on child abuse and neglect through AAP's Pediatrics collection, offering insights, research and guidance for professionals and caregivers.

Pediatrics Collection: Child Abuse and Neglect

Discover essential information on child abuse within pediatric practice.

Current Initiatives

Abusive Head Trauma

AHT is the third leading cause of head injuries in children under 5 years of age and the leading cause of head injuries in infants.

Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect

Child abuse and neglect is a public health problem that poses a health risk for children who lack safe, stable nurturing relationships and socioeconomic supports that can mitigate the negative effects of social drivers of health.

Trauma-Informed Care

TIC is fundamentally relational health care – the ability to form safe, stable and nurturing relationships (SSNRs).

Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV), defined as physical violence, sexual violence, stalking and psychological aggression by a current or former intimate partner, is a pervasive public health problem impacting 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men in the US.

Tools and Resources

Education

The Council on Child and Abuse and Neglect has compiled a list of educational opportunities for pediatricians and other health care providers on child abuse and neglect.

Media

Explore communication and media offerings related to child abuse and neglect.

Partners & Resources

View a list of organizations that provide additional information and resources related to child abuse and neglect.

Council on Child Abuse and Neglect

The Council on Child Abuse and Neglect is dedicated to improving the care of infants, children and adolescents who are abused and neglected.​​

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Last Updated

02/04/2025

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics