In the investigation of child abuse, consistent investigative protocol and clear, thorough documentation of facts and findings are essential to ensuring justice for victims, both for those who survive and for those who do not. In order to achieve the best possible results in such cases, multidisciplinary investigative teams of first responders, law enforcement, and medical practitioners should be well prepared for the process of investigation and documentation as they work in tandem toward a just end for every case of abuse. This new pocket atlas, part of an ongoing series on child abuse,...

Skin injuries are among the most common, and, certainly, the most visible, symptoms of physical abuse in children. In some cases, these injuries may leave lasting marks on the bodies of the abused⎯enduring tokens of the pain inflicted upon them. Because professionals working with children will, at times, encounter such injuries, it is vital they be able to recognize abusive burns, bruises, and other skin injuries in order to differentiate them from accidental injuries and to respond appropriately when encountered. This new pocket atlas, the first of an ongoing series on child...

Sexual abuse of children is an especially delicate matter, and each reported case should be treated with exacting care. Accurate identification and appropriate response to symptoms of sexual maltreatment in children is essential to resilient, long-term recovery for survivors. Therefore, it is incumbent upon those professionals who care for and represent the interests of survivors to recognize cases of childhood sexual abuse and to respond expediently, in the best interest of the survivors. This new pocket atlas, the second addition to an ongoing series on child abuse, will support medical...