Study Reveals Shifting Patterns of Child Physical Abuse During COVID-19 Pandemic

A study published in Pediatric Discovery on February 26, 2025, by researchers from Children's Hospital Los Angeles and the University of Southern California, has uncovered concerning trends in child physical abuse (CPA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research, which analyzed skeletal survey data from 479 pediatric patients between 2019 and 2020, found that while the overall incidence of CPA remained stable, there was a notable decrease in severe injuries such as intracranial and retinal hemorrhages.

The study's findings indicate that the proportion of intracranial hemorrhage cases dropped from 59% to 25%, and retinal hemorrhage cases from 38% to just 5% during the pandemic. This shift suggests potential changes in how abusive injuries were inflicted or detected, rather than a reduction in abuse itself. Dr. Joseph M. Rich, co-author of the study, emphasized the paradox of stable abuse rates alongside fewer severe injuries, raising concerns about underdiagnosis due to disrupted care systems and reduced mandatory reporting.

This research underscores the importance of developing enhanced child abuse detection strategies during public health emergencies. Recommendations include improving remote monitoring capabilities, expanding training in telehealth abuse indicators, and strengthening support networks for families. The study also calls for longitudinal research to better understand the evolving patterns of child harm and to ensure that protective measures are effective during crises.

For more details, the study can be accessed via its DOI: 10.1002/pdi3.2526.