Postmortem Detection of Child abuse at a Premier Hospital: Two Case Reports
Journal Title: Journal of Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology - Year 2018, Vol 4, Issue 1
Abstract
Physical Child abuse also known as Battered baby Syndrome (BBS) or Non Accidental Injury (NAI) occurs when the child suffers repetitive physical injuries by a parent or guardian. It can cause severe injuries to the children and even death. We report two autopsy cases in which both the children were brought dead in the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi by the guardians with no complaint of foul play. During autopsy the characteristic findings of physical abuse were found and were reported to the investigation officer. It led to the arrest of the guardians and legal proceedings were initiated. The western countries have developed a centralized reporting system for child abuse but the cases of physical and mental abuse of children mainly at their home from parents or guardian are highly under-reported in India. The authors intend to highlight the importance of interpreting such injuries not only during autopsy but also in clinical setups so that perpetrators of child abuse are not spared. The authors have given recommendations about the steps which could be taken to detect child abuse at an early stage and save the life of a child.
Authors and Affiliations
Mahesh Kumar
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP565689
- DOI 10.21088/jfct.2454.9363.4118.6
- Views 95
- Downloads 0
Medical Negligence and Remedies: A Challenge to Medical Profession
Medical negligence litigation has become a common experience for the medical practitioners. It is important to know what constitutes a medical negligence and take preventive steps. The doctor has certain duties to his pa...
Accidental Drowning of Child or Maternal Filicide by Strangulation: A Case Report
Introduction: Filicide, defined as the deliberate act of a parent killing their own child, is not uncommon in India and usually occurs if the child is female. Females are killed off even before they are born, as they are...
Suicidal Cut Injury of Wrist: Crime Scene and Autopsy Findings
Cut Injury of wrist (CIW) is also known as ‘Spaghetti wrists’ with a minimum of three completely transected structures, a nerve, artery and a tendon. The investigators have to answer the most challenging question i.e. ma...
Study of Characteristic Burn Patterns Formed by Three Different Accelerants on Plastered Wall
One of the important aspect of arson investigation is to study the burn patterns or characteristics resulting from various accelerants. In India, the basic accelerants which are used to set fire to a scene include petrol...
A Series Case Reports of Four Accidental Sewer Gas Poisoning
Sewer gas (H2S) is a toxic gas generally produced naturally by decaying organic matter. Death in sewer gas poisoning is due to respiratory arrest. Acute exposure of Hydrogen sulphide causes cytochrome oxidase enzyme inhi...