Physical

Physical injuries can occur where there is no satisfactory explanation, definite knowledge, or a reasonable suspicion that injury was inflicted with intent, caused through lack of care by the person having custody, charge or care of that person.

POTENTIAL INDICATORS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE

The following list may be indicators of many different problems, it is important not to jump to the wrong conclusion too quickly, some of the indicators could be as follows:

History of unexplained falls
Unexplained bruising - in well protected areas or soft parts of the body
Bruising in different stages of healing
Unexplained burns - unusual location / type
Unexplained fractures to any part of the body
Unexplained lacerations or abrasions
Slap, kick, punch or finger marks
Injury shape similar to an object
Untreated medical problems
Weight loss due to malnutrition or dehydration