Child Physical Abuse
Remember that intentional burns will be symmetrical and deeper than accidental ones due to continuous pressure being applied by the abuser. They will be strangely shaped and are often found on the buttocks or genitals – places in which it is highly unlikely a child would be accidentally burned.
Eye injuries – A child who has been shaken may have retinal hemorrhages (abnormal bleeds in the membrane at the back of the eye). Hyphema is the traumatic entry of blood into the front chamber of the eye that is usually caused by the eye being struck with a hard object. Black or “raccoon” eyes caused by nonaccidental trauma will be quite swollen and there may be skin injury present as well. It is important to note that two black eyes will seldom occur together accidentally.
