Leeds inquiry into infant deaths: the importance of abuse and neglect in sudden infant death

• Published in: Child abuse review (Chichester, England : 1992) Vol. 4; no. 5; pp. 329 - 339
• Main Authors: Hobbs, Christopher J., Wynne, Jane M., Gelletlie, R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 01.12.1995
• Subjects: abuse and neglect; infant deaths; inquiry; SIDS
• ISSN: 0952-9136; 1099-0852
• DOI: 10.1002/car.230

Results of detailed inquiry into 37 unexpected deaths in infancy in Leeds over 18 months in 1991/2 revealed issues of abuse or neglect in 27, in 10 of which it was the major concern. Important findings included non‐organic failure to thrive, injury, or history suggesting suffocation. A history of abuse and neglect in parents as children, prior involvement with social services, poverty and social deprivation, the family struggling to cope and abuse or neglect of siblings were also identified. Deaths from child abuse and neglect are frequently not recognized in official reporting systems and it is likely that there are deaths registered as SIDS which are the result of maltreatment. Recognition depends on creating a jigsaw picture of all the circumstances surrounding the infant and family. Failure to recognize a death from maltreatment may leave other children at risk. Copyright © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.