Increase in Child Abuse Injuries during the COVID-19 Pandemic in West Texas

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a rapid increase in unemployment and business closures, leaving many families in psychosocial distress, and putting the well-being and healthy development of children at risk. There has been a sharp increase in cases of child abuse presenting to our institution during the year 2020.  Thus, we sought to quantify whether the confluence of pandemic-related social changes would result in an increase in child abuse cases severe enough to warrant emergency medical attention in the West Texas region. Through this report, we hope to underscore the need for continued vigilance by healthcare providers and educators in identifying cases of child abuse, as well as the need for additional initiatives to mitigate child maltreatment during times of socioeconomic stress.