Child Protection Procedures - East Ayrshire Council

APPENDIX 2
What to Look for – Possible Indicators of Child Abuse
The identification and diagnosis of child abuse is rarely simple. The signs are made
up of a complex mixture of medical symptoms, behavioural characteristics and
background factors. The diagnosis of all suspicious injuries is a clinical issue and not
within the scope of this brief guide.
It is important to remember that a child’s physical condition is only part of any
diagnosis. Of equal importance is the child’s emotional, developmental and nutritional
state.
The recognition of abuse is a multi-disciplinary affair with, for example, health
professionals diagnosing medical problems; social workers interpreting family
dynamics; school staff identifying changes in behaviour. No individual should ever
feel that the burden rests solely with him/her.
The aim of this section is to help staff be alert to and recognise those factors which
can indicate abuse. It also gives some guidance on distinguishing between every day
minor bumps and bruises which occur accidentally and injuries which may have been
inflicted.
It is essential to keep in mind the importance of seeking appropriate professional
advice whenever child abuse and neglect, including sexual abuse, is suspected.
Presentation
Child abuse may occur in the form of an isolated incident or may be chronic or
repeated.
There are numerous signs, some or all which can indicate that child abuse is taking
place, or that there is serious risk of abuse. It is important to note that it is beyond the
scope of this guide to provide comprehensive information on child abuse.
The forms of harm to children and young people that constitute child abuse are Failure
to Thrive, Physical Injury, Physical Neglect, Sexual Abuse, Psychological,
Developmental or Emotional Abuse. These have already been defined in Section 1.
Physical Abuse
Falls and accidents can often produce only a single bruise – usually a bony
prominence. Multiple bruises can also occur from a child running and falling forwards
– leading to bruises on the front of the body and marks on the forehead, knees, shins,
as well as on the hands if the fall is broken. Bruises sustained accidentally are usually
on outer surfaces or limbs.
Staff should be alert to the following:
(a)
An explanation of injury not consistent or compatible with the findings.
124