Introduction.- Historical approach.- Definitions and epidemiological data.- Judicial expertise in Europe -- Inflicted cutaneous lesions and burns: The skin -- Inflicted cutaneous lesions and burns: Abuse-related burns.- Inflicted skeletal injuries.- Inflicted injuries of brain and spinal cord.- Visceral injuries -- Retinal hemorrhages.- Injuries to the face, neck, mouth and scalp.- Sexual abuse -- female genital mutilation -- Chemical submission -- Childhood deprivation and neglect.- Psychological maltreatment.- Munchausen syndrome by proxy -- Fetus.- Maltreatment and adolescence.- Domestic violence: a form of child maltreatment.- Autopsy and histological findings -- Post mortem imaging.- Diagnostic strategies and recommendations.- The caregiver’s position. .

This book offers an interdisciplinary approach to child abuse providing a comprehensive overview of the topic. From fetal life to adolescence, various patterns of child abuse are described in 23 chapters with highlight on early diagnostic features and differential diagnoses. Data on psychological and domestic violence is also presented. Readers will improve their knowledge in the field of child abuse, helping to identify such situations at onset and subsequently prevent recurrences. This volume outlines and summarizes the main different judicial processes for child abuse around the world. The book also provides the unique angle and information from experts in France, who unlike other countries, are fully independent of all other parties i.e. judges, prosecutors and families, thus having a unique insight to the origin and context of the violence. Insight to their approach can lead to better prevention of abuse around the world. Written by a panel of authors including paediatricians, radiologists, forensic scientists, a judge, a magistrate and a psychologist, this book is of interest to professionals involved in pediatrics healthcare, students, medical doctors or nurses. Beyond the field of health, the book may also concern professionals of social and judicial areas who deal with child abuse.  .