Child Physical Abuse

If a parent provides an explanation that is incompatible with the injuries present on the child, be suspicious. A parent reports, for instance, that a bruise-covered child tripped and fell in a carpeted living room. It should be clear to the investigator that the degree of injury present on the child far exceeds the bogus scenario floated by the parent.

If a parent’s story explaining an injury changes over time, be suspicious. He or she may have told a nurse in the emergency room one version of events after having given an officer at the scene a completely different story.

If a parent delays seeking treatment or never does get medical care for an injured child, be suspicious. Conversely, if a parent does seek medical care for his child, does he take the child to a different doctor or hospital every time in an effort to disguise abuse patterns?

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