2013-09-192013-09-192010http://hdl.handle.net/11212/10http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2855177/pdf/Dtsch_Arztebl_Int-107-0231.pdfBackground: The findings of studies on the frequency of vio - lence against children imply that many cases go undetected. Methods: Selective literature review based on a search of different databases for publications on all types of violence against children, except sexual abuse. Results: The physical abuse of children can involve blunt trauma, thermal injury, and the so-called shaking trauma syndrome (STS). Physical and psychological child neglect have very serious long-term effects. It can be difficult to draw a clear distinction of child abuse and neglect on the one hand, and acceptable behavior on the other, because of the varying social acceptance of certain child-raising practices. Münchhausen s syndrome by proxy (MSbP) is a rare, special type of child abuse. Conclusion: At the beginning of the 21 st century, well- established normative structures are in place to protect children against abuse and neglect, and the available help from social organizations can also have a preventive effect. Further improvements will depend on interdisciplinary co - ordination and bettepdfGermanyAssessmentBest practicesChild maltreatmentInternational ResourcesNeglectText