State Releases New Tools to Prevent and Identify Physical Abuse in Infants

July 16, 2026

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has released new tools for parents and physicians aimed at preventing and identifying abuse in infants age 6 months and younger. 

In 2025, the Minnesota Legislature passed legislation that directed MDH to make resources available to educate parents and caregivers on the signs of physical abuse in infants, and how to report it.  

Some of the new resources include a website, a fact sheet, and social media posts. The tools provide information about seeking immediate medical attention. Healthcare providers are also encouraged to use these educational resources during well-baby visits. 

Signs of physical abuse in infants can include bruising, mouth or facial injuries, as well as symptoms of abusive head trauma (also called Shaken Baby Syndrome). Infants under 6 months of age are more likely to experience serious physical abuse than older children. In 2025, there were 195 infant physical abuse cases opened for a child protection response in Minnesota. 

"Physicians throughout Minnesota see firsthand the devastating, lifelong impacts of physical abuse in infants," said Katie Smentek, MD, president of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. "Early intervention saves lives, and I am proud to support efforts to educate parents and caregivers on how to identify symptoms that indicate a baby needs urgent medical attention.” 

The new resources also provide information on how to report possible abuse, and provide additional support for parents and caregivers.   

Materials are available on the MDH Identifying Signs of Physical Abuse in Babies webpage in English, Hmong, Somali, and Spanish.