Child neglect – risk factors, consequences, the role of physicians and opportunities for prevention

Abstract

Child neglect as the most common form of child maltreatment, is a more wider problem than we think. There is a large number of risk factors and also consequences of child neglect. Improvement in understanding of the problem has resulted in a multidisciplinary approach, with contributions from medicine, law, public health, sociology, psychology and social work. Studies have shown that the education of physicans is still insufficient. Primary prevention of child abuse and neglect has a priority in the worldwide endeavors to prevent violence.