What children can tell us about living in danger.

Abstract

Developmental challenges faced by children growing up in situations of chronic danger linked to community violence and communal conflict are reviewed. The concept of post-traumatic stress disorder is expanded to include situations of chronic and on-going traumatic stress associated with dangerous environments--war zones and inner city neighborhoods plagued by violence and crime. Of particular importance is the impact of chronic stress and danger on the child's world view, the child's social map, and the child's moral development. On the basis of field work in 5 war zones, the article points to the importance of adult-led "processing" of the young child's experience to his or her psychological coping and moral development. Some of the contradictions operating in such environments are explored--for example, that "fanatical" ideology may provide short-term support for adults and children but also may serve to prolong communal conflict, impede the necessary processing of experience, and increase vulnerability in the long run.

Reasonable Suspicion: A Study of Pennsylvania Pediatricians Regarding Child Abuse

“…by guest on May 9, 2018 http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/ Downloaded from A t least 1 million cases of child abuse occur each year in the United States, 1 and it is estimated that child abuse is present in Ͼ50% of families in which domestic violence occurs. [2][3][4] Mandated reporting of suspected child abuse has existed now for Ͼ30 years, requiring individuals who interact with children in a professional capacity to contact child protection services whenever they have reasonable suspicion that a child has been abused. Despite wide variation in the actual statutory language, the majority of state laws use the term "suspicion," 5 and several major textbooks identify "reasonable suspicion" as the general, standard threshold for mandated reporting.…”

The Role of the Pediatrician in Recognizing and Intervening on Behalf of Abused Women

“…Children whose mothers are abused may experience serious emotional distress and manifest severe behavioral problems as a result. 6,8 Adolescents who observe abusive relationships at home may repeat that dynamic in dating or other relationships. (Men and older persons of both genders also can be victims of partner and intimate violence, but they are less likely to be seen in pediatric settings.)…”

Screening Children for Family Violence: A Review of the Evidence for the US Preventive Services Task Force

“…These problems include acute trauma, including death, unwanted pregnancy, and long-term physical and mental problems, such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, somatization, suicide, and substance abuse. 5,[12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] Children who witness intimate partner violence are at risk for developmental delay, school failure, and a variety of psychiatric disorders including depression and oppositional defi ant disorder, 22,23 and violence against others. 24 Children experiencing sexual or physical abuse have a higher risk of intimate partner abuse as adults.…”