1 Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis Medical Center, 4301 "X" St, Sacramento, CA 95817
To the Editor.
The article by Nelson1 included particularly vivid examples of the manner in which children may become victims of parental conflict. In the experience of University of California Davis Medical Center's Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Team, similar cases (although less severe) account for approximately 2% of the physical abuse cases reviewed. Social services agencies tend to view such occurrences as "accidents," and are reticent to provide services to such families. Physicians must take an active role in advocating that the families and children receive appropriate services.