Physical Abuse

Physical Abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces illness in a child (Working Together to Safeguard Children).

1. Overview

1.1 Physical abuse is any way of intentionally causing physical harm to a child or young person. It also includes making up the symptoms of an illness or causing a child to become unwell.

1.2 Bumps and bruises don’t always mean a child is being physically abused. All children have accidents, trips and falls.

1.3 Any child could be the victim of physical abuse and it could happen in any family.

1.4 If a child regularly has injuries, there seems to be a patter to the injuries or the explanation doesn’t match the injuries then there needs to be some professional curiosity.

1.5 The NSPCC highlights that physical abuse symptoms include:

  • Bruises
  • Broken or fractured bones
  • Burns or scalds
  • Bite marks

1.5 There could be other injuries and health problems that raise cause for concern such as:

  • Scarring
  • The effects of poisoning, such as vomiting, drowsiness or seizures
  • Breathing problems from drowning, suffocation or poisoning

1.6 The NSPCC also highlights that head injuries in babies and toddlers can be signs of abuse and visible signs include:

  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Fractures
  • Being extremely sleepy or unconscious
  • Breathing problems
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting
  • Unusual behaviour, such as being irritable or not feeding properly

 

2. Useful Guidance

 

3. Useful Links/Websites