Cultural Healing Practices that Mimic Child Abuse
Date
2017
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Annals of Forensic Research and Analysis
Abstract
Child abuse is an invisible epidemic that has serious short and long term ramifications for
the affected children, their families and society at large. Making a diagnosis that suggests or
confirms child abuse can be challenging because many medical conditions resemble child abuse
and cultural healing practices often result in the appearance of child maltreatment. In this review
several cultural healing practices are described, including coining (caogio), cupping (hijama),
guasha, moxibustion, and caida de mollera. Many of these cultural approaches are ancient
practices that still exist, today. Also, certain birthmarkings, (Mongolian spots) may present in a
manner that suggests child abuse. To insure an accurate differential diagnosis, the importance of
being culturally sensitive and aware of specific belief systems and practices of cultural groups
is underscored.
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Keywords
culture, physical abuse, healthcare professionals, assessment, Immigrants, differerential diagnosis
Citation
Killion, C. M. (2017). Cultural Healing Practices that Mimic Child Abuse. Annals of Forensic Research and Analysis, 4(2), 1042.