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Battered child syndrome refers to a collection of symptoms and behaviors exhibited by children who've been physically abused repeatedly. The abuse is often difficult to detect. In many cases, the batterer is careful to avoid areas of the child's body that are open to view, such as the head and arms. As a result, it's difficult for teachers, friends, and family to determine whether or not a child has been beaten. While obvious physical signs include cuts, bruises, broken bones, or burns, less obvious indicators can be seen in parental behavior. Abusive parents are often manipulative, controlling, and tend to display angry outbursts. Even if the abuse doesn't result in permanent physical injury or death, it can leave a child emotionally scarred for life. Battered children may become withdrawn, use drugs or alcohol, do poorly in school, or seem to have no focus or purpose. In addition, many abused children grow up to be abusive parents, continuing the cycle of violence. There are a number of public agencies with teams to identify battered or neglected children. However, legal cures for child abuse are seldom satisfying. In most cases, intensive psychological counseling for both abusive parents and their children is necessary. For more information about Battered child syndrome, contact a health care professional.
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