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Knowledge is power – and this Resources page is here to empower you. We’ve gathered a collection of educational materials, FAQs, and support resources to help you understand the science and law behind Shaken Baby Syndrome, and to guide families who may be facing false accusations. Everything here is presented in clear, simple language. Whether you’re a concerned parent, a student doing a report, or a family in the midst of a legal battle, you’ll find tools that inform and support you. Feel free to download, share, and use these resources in your community.

Downloadable Educational Materials

  • SBS Fact Sheet (PDF): A two-page handout that busts common myths about Shaken Baby Syndrome and abusive head trauma. It’s perfect for sharing with friends, family, or even professionals who want a quick overview. We explain the basics – what SBS is supposed to be, why it’s controversial – in bullet points and simple terms. Print it out or forward it along! Key points include how the “triad” of injuries (brain bleeding, retinal bleeding, brain swelling) became associated with shaking, and why those signs can be misinterpreted. (For example: did you know that a baby can have bleeding around the brain from a birth injury or a bleeding disorder, with no abuse at all?) This fact sheet gives you the essentials at a glance.
  • “10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor” Guide: If you ever find yourself or someone you know being investigated for possible SBS, it’s crucial to ask the right questions. This guide suggests ten important questions (and why they matter) to pose to medical professionals. For instance: “Could anything else explain these injuries?” (A good doctor should consider alternatives like accidental falls, illnesses, or previous medical conditions.) It also suggests asking about timing – “How do we know when the injury occurred?” – because research shows babies might not show symptoms immediately after an injury. Armed with these questions, families can ensure that no stone is left unturned in the medical evaluation.
  • Presentation Slides (PPT): Are you planning to raise awareness about SBS controversies at a community meeting or study group? We’ve prepared a slide deck that you can use. It includes charts, brief case studies, and key quotes from experts. One slide, for example, illustrates how short falls (like falling off a couch or down a few stairs) can sometimes cause serious head injuries in infants – something that was once dismissed but is now documented. Another slide shares statistics on wrongful convictions in SBS cases (with sources), so you can speak confidently about how big this problem really is.

(All downloads are free. If you find them useful, consider dropping us a note – we love feedback on how to improve our materials!)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS)?

Shaken Baby Syndrome is a term that was used for decades to describe a form of child abuse where violent shaking of an infant is believed to cause a specific set of brain injuries. These injuries often include bleeding over the surface of the brain (subdural hemorrhages), bleeding in the retinas of the eyes (retinal hemorrhages), and brain swelling (cerebral edema). Doctors sometimes call this pattern “the triad.” The theory behind SBS was that if a baby showed the triad of injuries and there were no outward signs of trauma (like bruises or fractures), it could only mean the baby had been violently shaken or slammed. For a long time, this was taught as almost a medical certainty.

Why is SBS controversial now?

In recent years, scientists and doctors have discovered that those same injuries can appear from other causes – not just abuse. For example, a baby with an undiagnosed bleeding disorder, or one who suffered a lack of oxygen during a difficult birth, might later develop subdural bleeding and swelling that mimic the triad. Even a short fall (which sadly happens more often than we think) can sometimes produce these injuries. This means the “surefire” signs of shaking aren’t so surefire after all. Moreover, biomechanical research (using models and crash-test dummies) has raised doubt about whether an adult could shake a baby hard enough to cause the triad without also causing severe neck or spinal injuries – injuries that many shaken baby diagnoses lack. The medical community is divided. Some experts maintain that SBS (often now termed Abusive Head Trauma, AHT) is valid, but even they agree other causes must be carefully ruled out. Other experts argue that SBS as a distinct syndrome is unproven – one Swedish report even questioned “the very existence of SBS” as a medical certainty. Because of these doubts, courts have overturned convictions and prominent medical journals have published articles urging caution. In short, it’s controversial because it involves life-and-death stakes for children and potentially innocent adults, and the science is not as settled as we once thought.

If not shaking, what else could cause those injuries?

Possible causes include: accidental trauma (like a fall from a significant height, or a car accident), birth injuries (some babies are born with bleeding in the brain that isn’t immediately apparent), bleeding/clotting disorders (like hemophilia or vitamin K deficiency, which can cause spontaneous bleeds), infections (certain infections can lead to brain swelling and bleeding), and even natural diseases like a stroke in an infant. In one case featured on our site, a toddler had undiagnosed Glutaric Acidemia (a metabolic disorder) which made him prone to brain bleeding; his father was initially accused of abuse until doctors figured out the real problem. The key takeaway: if a child presents with the triad injuries, doctors must do a thorough differential diagnosis to exclude these other possibilities before concluding abuse. Tragically, in the past, some investigations skipped this step, leading to wrongful accusations. We provide a checklist of alternate causes in our downloadable materials, which families can share with their doctors to ensure a complete workup is done.

What should I do if I or someone I know is accused of SBS?

A: First, remember you are not alone and not helpless. Here are immediate steps:

  • Seek Legal Counsel Experienced in SBS/AHT Cases: Not all defense attorneys are familiar with the medical complexities of these cases. It’s crucial to find a lawyer who understands the controversy and knows how to challenge the evidence. (Check our Resources list below for organizations that can help find one.)
  • Gather Medical Records: Compile every bit of medical history for the child in question – prenatal records, birth records, pediatric check-ups, any previous falls or hospital visits, etc. These can contain clues (for example, a previously noted chronic subdural bleed or a condition like rickets that can weaken bones).
  • Get a Second Medical Opinion: Ask for a review by an independent pediatric neurosurgeon or pathologist. There are experts who specialize in reviewing SBS diagnoses – some have even helped overturn convictions when they discovered alternate causes.
  • Avoid Speaking Without a Lawyer: It’s natural to want to explain yourself to authorities, but wrongful SBS cases have seen instances where stressed parents were misinterpreted or even coerced into false confessions. Have an attorney present to protect your rights.
  • Reach Out for Support: Contact a support group (see below) or an advocacy organization. They can provide not just emotional support, but also referrals to experts and resources. Remember, being accused does not mean you’re guilty. With the right help, the truth often comes out.

Medical & Legal References

We believe in backing up our information with solid references. Below is a curated list of credible sources that offer further reading and validation for a more balanced discussion on SBS:

  • Washington Post Investigative Series (2015): A groundbreaking multi-part investigation by reporter Debbie Cenziper that brought national attention to the flaws in SBS prosecutions. It documents numerous cases of overturned convictions and includes interviews with experts from both sides of the debate. (Great for an overview of how this issue unfolded in courts and the media.)
  • Innocence Network Statement on Shaken Baby Syndrome (2011): The Innocence Network (an affiliation of groups working to exonerate the wrongly convicted) released a detailed statement highlighting the controversies in SBS diagnoses. It cites medical research and legal precedents, noting “ongoing controversy about the definition, diagnosis, and even the very existence of SBS.” This is a strong read if you want to understand why so many wrongful conviction advocates are concerned about SBS cases.
  • Deborah Tuerkheimer’s Law Review Article (2009) and Book “Flawed Convictions” (2014): Deborah Tuerkheimer, a former prosecutor turned law professor, has written extensively about SBS in the legal context. Her work (cited in legal opinions) argues that SBS cases represent the “next frontier” of wrongful convictions – similar to what faulty arson science and eyewitness misidentification were in earlier decades. She explains how a hypothesis became dogma in courtrooms, and why it’s being re-evaluated.
  • Biomechanical Research – “Can Shaking Alone Cause the Triad?” (various studies 2005–present): We list a few key scientific studies that tested the mechanics of shaking using models and computer simulations. These studies generally suggest that impact (the baby’s head hitting a surface) is usually necessary to produce the severe brain injuries of the triad, and that pure shaking might not generate enough force unless extremely violent (which likely would cause neck injuries). Some references include studies published in Journal of Pediatric Radiology and Forensic Science journals. (We’ve summarized these in blog posts, but the original papers are available for those interested in the nitty-gritty data.)
  • Notable Case Law:
    • People v. Edmunds (Wisconsin, 2008): The appellate decision that freed Audrey Edmunds, recognizing new scientific doubt about SBS. The court acknowledged that what was thought to be medical certainty at the time of trial was no longer so.
    • Ex Parte Henderson (Texas, 2013): A Texas Court of Criminal Appeals case (not SBS, but relevant) where the conviction was overturned due to advances in science (“junk science” law case). Important because it set a precedent in Texas for addressing outdated forensic science, paving the way for SBS cases to be reconsidered.
    • Commonwealth v. Millien (Massachusetts, 2018): A more recent case where convictions were reversed; the judges wrote about the “evolving medical debate” on SBS and urged caution in prosecutions that rest solely on medical opinions.
  • Medical Articles & Reviews:
    • “Shaken Baby Syndrome: A Synonym for Abuse or a Misdiagnosed Tragedy?” – A pediatric journal review that presents both sides of the argument for doctors.
    • Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment (SBU) Report (2016): A comprehensive review by Swedish scientists that questioned the validity of SBS diagnosis without considering other causes. It concluded that the evidence base for SBS is not robust and that doctors should avoid definitive statements of abuse based only on the triad.
    • American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Statements: The AAP in 2009 shifted from using the term SBS to Abusive Head Trauma (AHT), partly to encompass a broader range of injuries. However, critics say this change didn’t address the underlying scientific questions. Reading the AAP’s position can help understand the mainstream perspective, even as it evolves.

(Don’t be overwhelmed by this list – you don’t need to read all these to understand the issue! We provide them for those who want to dive deeper or verify facts. We’re happy to help guide you to the most relevant info for your needs. And if you find a reputable source you think we should include, let us know!)

Support Organizations and Expert Contacts

Facing an accusation or seeking to help someone who is? Connect with these organizations and resources for help, advice, and support:

  • Innocence Project & Innocence Network: The Innocence Project (and its state-based affiliates across the country) has taken on multiple shaken baby/abusive head trauma cases. They have lawyers and experts who understand the complexities. If you believe there’s a wrongful conviction, you can request help via their website. The Innocence Network’s member organizations can also guide you to local resources. (Website: innocenceproject.org)
  • National Registry of Exonerations: This is an online database of wrongful convictions, including a special category for shaken baby syndrome cases. By searching their site, you can find stories of people exonerated in SBS cases, which can be useful for educating courts or just giving families hope by showing they are not alone. (Website: exonerationregistry.org)
  • False Allegations Support Organizations: Being accused of harming your child when you haven’t is traumatizing. Support groups exist to help families cope and fight back. In the UK, for example, there’s the False Allegations Support Organisation (FASO) and an online community specifically for SBS-related accusations. In the US, a number of parents of exonerated or accused individuals have formed informal networks (often Facebook groups). We can help connect you if you reach out to us. These groups offer emotional support, tips for dealing with child protective services, and often can refer you to doctors who can provide second opinions.
  • Medical Experts (Consultation): We maintain a list of pediatric specialists, radiologists, and forensic pathologists who have experience in objectively evaluating SBS/AHT cases. If you need an independent medical review, we can suggest names like Dr. X (neuropathologist), Dr. Y (pediatric neurosurgeon), etc., who have testified in court on such cases. Many of these experts have published research or case studies that challenge conventional assumptions. (We won’t post their contact info publicly here to protect their privacy, but we can provide details if you contact us directly or have your attorney reach out.)
  • Legal Experts and Attorneys: Similarly, certain defense attorneys specialize in SBS cases. For example, lawyers affiliated with innocence organizations or those who have won past SBS trials can be invaluable. We can point you toward legal clinics or attorneys known for this expertise. Additionally, consider reaching out to the Center for Integrity in Forensic Sciences (CIFS) – an organization co-founded by attorneys and scientists (including the famed Dean Strang of Making a Murderer) that addresses wrongful convictions caused by faulty forensic science. They have interest in SBS issues and may help with expert referrals.
  • The Shaken Baby Alliance (Support & Resources): A Texas-based non-profit, historically known for supporting victim families, but they also provide some resources that could be useful for anyone dealing with these issues (like coping with infant head trauma). Be aware that some organizations (like the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome) focus on prevention of abuse and might initially assume an accusatory stance – their materials are great for preventing real abuse but may not address the wrongful accusation angle. It’s okay to learn from them about infant safety while also questioning conclusions in specific cases. We list them for completeness and encourage using all knowledge to protect children.
  • Academic Centers: Universities like the Medill Justice Project at Northwestern University have in the past investigated SBS convictions as journalism projects. Sometimes reaching out to such academic groups can generate publicity or pro bono research into a case.

Remember, you are not alone. There is a growing community of doctors, lawyers, and parents who realize that when it comes to suspected child abuse like SBS, we must get it right – children’s lives and innocent adults’ freedom depend on it. If you need guidance on which resource is right for you, please contact us directly. We will listen and help as much as we can.

We will continue updating this Resources page as new information becomes available. Our goal is to provide a one-stop hub for reliable, balanced information on Shaken Baby Syndrome and its controversies. See something missing? Let us know! This site is for you – parents, caregivers, advocates, and truth-seekers. Together, by staying informed, we can ensure that justice is served and families stay whole.