Autopsy Finding of Fatal Child Physical Abuse by Stepfather: Case Report

Abstract

Child physical abuse (CPA) is prone to occur in developing areas. Aside from stressors in the home, the presence of a stepfather is another cause of CPA. The case reported here is of a 3-year-old girl who experienced fatal physical abuse by her stepfather. On external examination, bruises were found on the forehead, right and left cheeks, chin, chest, back, upper and lower left arms, pubic lips, upper and lower right legs, and lower left legs, and blisters on the lips. On internal examination, severe damage was found to internal organs. This paper also discussed how this case was viewed from the Indonesian legal framework.

Keywords

• child physical abuse
• domestic violence
• stepfather
• legal framework
• medicolegal