CHILD PHYSICAL ABUSE

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These last few indicators focus more on the Parent or Caregiver’s behaviour than the child’s. Sometimes you will notice behaviours of Parents or Caregivers that might cause you to be concerned or suspect abuse. In fact there are often times when they can provide the best indicators that a child is being abused.

Sometimes, it’s only when you watch a child interact with their Parents or Caregivers that you will clearly notice indicators of abuse. For example a child may only show fearfulness, anxiety or submissiveness when in the company of a Parent or Caregiver – or they may obviously flinch or cower only in their presence.

The best predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour. If you are aware of previous instances of abuse, or domestic violence in a child’s household, then this should be something you take into account when you’re considering whether or not physical injuries are likely to be as a result of abuse.

If you have some indicator of physical abuse, and you’re still deciding whether or not to report, then a history of abuse or violence should make that decision clear for you.