Abstract:
Identification and reporting of possible cases of child physical abuse are critical precursors to intervention with maltreating families. Professionals from a variety of disciplines are mandated to report suspected cases of child maltreatment. Unfortunately, not all physically abused children are identifi ed or reported. This paper reviews the literature that has examined factors that may infl uence the identifi cation and
reporting of physical abuse by physicians. The literature review is preceded by an overview of the multistep, multi-behavior process of identification and reporting. The factors that may influence identification and reporting are discussed according to their association with the case, physician, or setting. Future directions for research in
the area of identifi cation and reporting are suggested throughout the paper.