During an 18-month period, 148 children examined in the emergency room at the University of Mississippi Medical Center were suspected of having been the victims of child abuse. Physical abuse was suspected in 42.5percnt;, sexual abuse in 38.5percnt;, and neglect in 24.0percnt;. The high prevalence of sexual abuse, particularly rape, and the severity of the various injuries associated with physical abuse indicate the need for primary prevention.
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