Abusive Head Trauma

Preventing AHT

Several programs have been developed to address physical abuse or child maltreatment in general, and research on preventing AHT has been limited.

There is major research support for:

  • Programs dealing with infant crying
  • Professional training in diagnosis and reporting
  • General community supports for families

REFERENCES:

  • Roygardner et al., n.d.
  • New et al., n.d.

CHAMP Education for Child Abuse Medical Providers

Accessible Version

Fortunately, several programs have been developed to address abusive head trauma, physical abuse or child maltreatment in general, and although prevention research has been limited. We were able to find major research support for three approaches which have been implemented throughout NY State to varying degrees. First, New York as well as 20 other states requires information to be given to new parents during their hospital nursery stay about how to respond to infant crying and the dangers of shaking. Second, professional training in diagnosis and reporting such as this course has been shown to improve identification. Third, recent studies on economic community supports for families have also showed reductions in abusive head trauma.