Constipation may be caused when physical or sexual abuse injures the abdominal or rectal area. The child may have injury to the rectum, bruising over the abdomen or back, or injury to the lower spine that prevents normal bowel movements. Constipation that is caused by abuse usually does not get better with home treatment methods.

You may feel uneasy if your health professional brings up the issue of child abuse. Health professionals have a professional duty and legal obligation to evaluate the possibility of child abuse. It is important to consider this possibility, especially if there were no witnesses to your child's injury.

If you think your child has been abused, it is your responsibility to call your health professional or contact the National Child Abuse Hotline and Referral Service at 1-800-422-4453. Adults need to protect young children, because children cannot protect themselves.