Workers at paediatric outpatient clinics reported to the Federation that each year, they treat around 75 babies less than 12 months old for serious injuries incurred from violence.
The Federation's project manager Erja Lothander says that in the Uusimaa region alone, which includes the capital city, 15-20 cases of violence are witnessed annually by medical personnel. The official health care statistics for 2004 report only eight.
"Accidents happen to around 2,000 children under four each year. No one knows how many of these cases are actually the result of violence," says Federation press officer Mikko Savelainen.
Even the Federation's revised figures on abuse may be the tip of the iceberg, he says. It's very difficult to say for sure whether a baby has been the victim of violence. He also believes that most cases never make it to the clinics.
Early Intervention Works
Families where infant abuse occurs are often having to deal with other severe problems. Alcohol, drug, or mental problems are frequently a factor.
Early intervention has been proven to be very effective.
"In 90 percent of cases, intervention stops the abuse from happening again," says paediatrician Sarimari Tupola from the hospital district of Helsinki and Uusimaa.
The Federation of Mother and Child Homes and Shelters says that abuse often begins with neglect. In these cases, pre- and post-natal health care workers have an integral part in identifying the problem and making sure the family gets help.