Children with chronic health problems are at particular risk because their illnesses can bring about economic and emotional stresses within their families that can cause abuse or neglect. Because bleeding can be caused by only a slight injury in children with hemophilia, physicians often do not inquire about the causes of injury, possible delays in seeking medical care, or accident prevention efforts in the home. They should recognize that the bleeding disorder does not rule out the possibility of child abuse. Additionally, because children who are born prematurely and twins are at a higher risk of child abuse, they should also be monitored carefully by their physicians. The article details case histories of children with hemophilia who were physically abused. 20 references. 1 table. (Author abstract modified)