Concerns for Physical Abuse

Concerns for physical abuse exist when a caregiver uses physical force on a child such that injury to the child occurs or could occur. Examples of physical abuse may include:

  • Bruises

  • Welts

  • Cuts

  • Abrasions

  • Fractures

  • Burns/scalds

  • Contusions

  • Loss of teeth

  • Bloodied nose

  • Sprains

  • Brain or neurological damage

  • Death

  • Subdural hemorrhage

  • Internal injuries

  • Poisoning

  • Gunshot wounds

  • Physical punishment of an infant

  • Shaking infant or preschooler

  • Striking children with an object when any of the following occur: The child is struck some place other than the buttocks; A bruise or injury results; The number of strikes is more than one or two; Done frequently; or Used on preschoolers.

  • Striking children on or about the head and face

  • Striking children with a closed hand

  • Throwing children in such a manner that there is risk of injury

  • Kicking a child

  • Biting a child

  • Forcing a child to ingest a noxious substance, i.e. tobacco, alcohol, soap, pepper, Tabasco sauce, etc.

  • Forced feeding

There may be concerns for a child’s safety when a child:

  • Has an unexplained injury

  • Has serious injury requiring medical attention or hospitalization

  • Has a sibling who was abused which resulted in injury, death, or dysfunction

  • Experiences heightened the level of pain or injury; e.g., cigarette burns, an instrument is used

  • Parent’s motivation to teach or discipline seems secondary to inflicting pain and/or injury

  • Parent has no remorse

  • Parent does not acknowledge any guilt or wrong doing and they intended to hurt the child

  • Parent shows no empathy for the pain or trauma the child has experience and they intended to hurt the child

  • History and circumstantial information are incongruent with the parent’s explanation about injuries and conditions

  • Parent’s verbal expressions do not match their emotional response and there is not a believable explanation

  • Parent’s regrets are unbelievable, self serving, or associated more with getting caught than what was done

  • Parent shows no recognition of wrong or inappropriate behavior, or demonstrates a self-righteous attitude and believes actions were justified

  • Parents view their abusive behavior as a parental right

  • Parent’s explanations for serious maltreatment are inconsistent or change over time