Forensic evaluations of child abuse

Abstract This chapter explains child abuse specifically in relation to forensics. At the start, it discusses various types of child abuse and its causes. Then it focuses on forensic aspects of child abuse by discussing the role of a child psychiatrist in this respect. Importance of chain of custody maintenance is also explained then. Forensic physical examination along with the patterns of skeletal fractures in child abuse is mentioned. At the end, how the documentation and reporting should be done of an alleged child abuse is explained. Moreover, laws related to child abuse in Pakistan are stated. Some case studies of child abuse in Pakistan are also highlighted.