WIC 901 Recipient of Abuse

Battering or child abuse/neglect within past 6 months as self-reported, or as documented by a social worker, health care provider or on other appropriate documents, or as reported through consultation with a social worker, health care provider, or other appropriate personnel.

"Battering" generally refers to violent physical assaults on women.

Child abuse/neglect: “Any recent act or failure to act resulting in imminent risk of serious harm, death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse, or exploitation of an infant or child by a parent or caretaker (1).”

If State law requires the reporting of known or suspected child abuse or neglect, WIC staff must release such information to appropriate State officials. WIC regulations pertaining to confidentiality do not take precedence over such State law.

Battering during pregnancy is associated with increased risks of low birth weight, pre-term delivery, and chorioamnionitis, as well as poor nutrition and health behaviors. Battered women are more likely to have a low maternal weight gain, be anemic, consume an unhealthy diet, and abuse drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes.

Serious neglect and physical, emotional, or sexual abuse have short- and long-term physical, emotional, and functional consequences for children. Nutritional neglect is the most common cause of poor growth in infancy and may account for as much as half of all cases of non-organic failure to thrive.

1. An Act to Modify and Reauthorize the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, and for Other Purposes 1996, Pub. L. No. 104-235 (Oct. 3, 1996).

2. Institute of Medicine. WIC nutrition risk criteria a scientific assessment. National Academy Press, Washington, D.C.; 1996.