More than 16,000 cases of suspected child maltreatment are reported annually in the military, according to the Armed Forces Center for Child Protection Web site.

The AFCCP is helping to protect children throughout the DOD through education and awareness training such as that held here at Wilford Hall Medical Center on March 27.

The Child Maltreatment Seminar, hosted by the Randolph Air Force Base Office of Special Investigation, brought together medical providers and law enforcement officials from across the state.

“This is an opportunity not only to educate, but to introduce the members from a wide variety of local area organizations and agencies to each other,” said Special Agent Julie Lecea, the seminar coordinator. “This will help with coordination when needed on cases in the future.”

The training featured Dr. Barbara Craig, AFCCP director.

“Our goal is to bring a higher level of awareness to the issues of child maltreatment and exploitation," Dr. Craig said. "Better awareness means more help for children who may be suffering maltreatment.”

The course included information to help medical and law enforcement agencies better support one another during investigations. Some key areas discussed included indications of child physical and sexual abuse, providing expert witness testimony and conducting sexual maturity ratings of suspected child pornographic images.

Capt. (Dr.) Shelly Martin, soon to be the Air Force staff pediatrician for the AFCCP, discussed indications to look for when child abuse and maltreatment are suspected.

“Doctors need to look closely at burns or bruises when the parent or caregiver’s explanation of what happened is not compatible with the injuries received. Other signs include constant rocking; hiding under the table; a decline in behavior, hygiene or communication; and an increase in aggressive behavior or foul language,” said Dr. Martin, who is currently finishing her fellowship in child abuse at Brown University.

A child who shows signs of abuse (during a routine health examination) will get a full physical exam including X-rays if needed. The case is reported to family advocacy if it occurs on base and to the department of children and family services if it occurs off base.

The AFCCP also provided information used when suspected child pornography is found. Investigating agents must work with medical experts to determine if the images are truly those of a child. Pediatricians look at dental development, head to body ratio, stature, musculature development and signs associated with sexual development to help investigators with that determination.

The AFCCP provides education in military communities worldwide.

“The problem is often ignored out of fear, anxiety or disbelief,” Dr. Craig said. “A caring community is necessary to help these troubled families.”

If you suspect child maltreatment, contact your Family Advocacy Representative. In an emergency, call your local police department.