Child abuse, neglect, and exploitation of young people
Standardising practice can improve identification and reduce bias Even for the most experienced healthcare providers, recognising and evaluating suspected child maltreatment or exploitation is challenging. The pressure to make the correct diagnosis is extremely high. Failing to recognise maltreatment can result in the child experiencing severe harm or even death. Conversely, incorrect diagnoses of accidental injuries as abusive or misinterpretations of poverty as neglect may burden care givers and lead to subsequent mistrust in healthcare providers.1 Unwarranted investigations and subsequent referral to child welfare (social) services affect marginalised populations disproportionately, including children of black, Hispanic, and Aboriginal ethnicity, and visible minorities.23 Two education articles in The BMJ offer healthcare providers guidance to better identify child abuse and neglect and recognise young people experiencing criminal and sexual exploitation.45 They summarise the growin
