CHILD PHYSICAL ABUSE

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Cuts and scratches can be suspicious if they are severe, if they happen regularly, or are clearly caused by fingernails and located in the neck region or up under the arms.

Any cuts and scratches or abrasions in the genital areas should also be treated as suspicious without reasonable explanation.

Take notice also of welts – raised reddened areas that are left behind after physical contact – particularly if they are in suspicious places like the neck, and cheek, or if they are in the shape of a hand or an instrument such as a belt, stick or cord.