Abstract

Child abuse is defined as; Behaviours that are made by an adult knowingly or unknowingly and affect the child’s health, physical development, psychosocial development in the negative direction”. Abusive may be the closest individual of the child, or may be an entirely foreigner to the child, and sometimes the abuse, as noted in the definition develops after the different intentions of the adult; such as early marriages

485 cases who applied for age estimation to Cukurova University the Department of Forensic Medicine were examined and 215 cases of abuse were determined and examined retrospectively. 3 of the cases were male, the youngest 10 (identity), the oldest 18 (identity) years old cases applied to us. While 81 cases indicate that the age of their identity is correct, 131 cases claimed that they are older/trying to enlarge age. Since 8 cases were pregnant age estimation couldn’t be done, 85 cases were found to be compatible with the bone age record of the population. 133 cases indicating they had religious marriage/ self-willing marriage, and 111 cases were detected pregnant/had childbirth.

Early marriages are one of the important problems of children and women in society. Regardless of the cause, prevention of early marriages and the elimination of contradictions in this issue, raising awareness on the issue and pursuing the state should be ensured in terms of public health.

Keywords: Child; Abuse; Age estimation; Marriage