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ABUSE HEAD Trauma

New Research Into Abusive Head Trauma

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What is Abusive Head Trauma

Abusive head trauma (AHT), which includes shaken baby syndrome, is a preventable and severe
form of physical child abuse that results in an injury to the brain of a child. AHT often happens when a
parent or caregiver becomes angry or frustrated because of a child’s crying. It is caused by violent
shaking and/or with blunt impact. The resulting injury can cause bleeding around the brain or on the
inside back layer of the eyes. (source)

  • The data shows
  •  AHT is a leading cause of physical child abuse deaths in children under 5 in the United States.
  • Babies less than one-year-old are at the greatest risk of injury from AHT.
  • AHT accounts for about one-third of all child maltreatment deaths.

What are the consequences?

Nearly all victims of AHT suffer serious, long-term health consequences. Examples include:

  •  vision problems – developmental delays
  •  physical disabilities
  •  hearing loss

At least one of every four babies who experience AHT dies from this form of child abuse. Public
health professionals and child care providers have an important role that they can play in adopting
prevention strategies to support themselves, other caregivers, parents, and families. These strategies
include: (source)

  •  learning about abusive head trauma
  • sharing information on typical child development and self-care
  •  helping infants and caregivers build relationships
  •  connecting with community resources (such as home visiting and family support groups)
  •  identifying sources of household family stress and connecting families to resources in
    partnership with health and other systems

Nearly 1/3

of all child maltreatment deaths are a result of Abusive Head Trauma. (source)

Human Road Strategy

Our programs and affiliates network is focused on preventing child physical abuse through
several practical solutions for creating the conditions for safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and
environments for all children, families, and communities.

Because Childhood Lasts a Lifetime… We Must Work Together to Keep them Safe!