Odhayani, A.Watson, William J.Watson, Lindsay2013-09-302013-09-302013-08Canadian Family Physician, Vol. 59, No. 8, pages 831-836http://hdl.handle.net/11212/1156http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3743691/pdf/0590831.pdfPsychological Development, Behavioral Development, Attachment Disorder, Emotional Abuse, Emotional Deprivation, Neglect, Sexual Abuse, IndicationsA child’s behaviour is an outward manifestation of inner stability and security. It is a lens through which the family physician can observe the development of the child throughout his or her life. All types of abuse are damaging to children—physically, emotionally, and psychologically—and can cause long-term difficulties with behaviour and mental health development. Family physicians need to be aware of and alert to the indicators of child abuse and neglect so that appropriate interventions can be provided to improve outcomes for those children. Child abuse might cause disordered psychological development and behaviour problems. Family physicians have an important role in recognizing behaviour clues that suggest child abuse and in providing help to protect children.en-USFamily PhysiciansClinical CareChild DevelopmentArticle