|
Holden,
J.R., Jenny, C., & Starling, S.P. (1995). Abusive head
trauma: The relationship of perpetrators to their victims. Pediatrics,
95,259-262. |
|
Objective
|
To
address the relationship of perpetrators of abusive head trauma ("shaken
baby syndrome") to their victims. |
|
Methods
|
Researchers
reviewed the medical charts of 151 infants who suffered abusive head trauma
to determine the perpetrator of the abuse. Caretakers were classified
by level of certainty: confession to the crime, legal actions taken,
or strong suspicion by the staff. The relationship of abusers to
victims was then analyzed. |
| Results |
In
the cases investigated, 60.3% involved male victims. Twenty-three
percent of the children died, although death rates for boys and girls did
not vary significantly. Male perpetrators outnumbered females 2.2
to 1, with fathers, step-fathers, and mothers' boyfriends committing over
60% of the crimes. Fathers accounted for 37% of the abusers, followed
by boyfriends at 20.5%. Female baby-sitters, who were a previously
unrecognized group, were involved in 17.3% of the cases. Mothers
were responsible for only 12.6% of the cases. All but one of the
confessed abusers were with the child at the time of onset of symptoms. |
| Conclusion |
Data
suggests that male caretakers are at a greater risk of abusing infants.
Baby-sitters are currently recognized as a risk group because they represent
a significant proportion of abusers and easily escape prosecution.
Furthermore, no prevention efforts have been directed at baby-sitters.
These findings could help change the focus of efforts to prevent abusive
head trauma. |
