CHILD ABUSE/SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN

Abuse of a child may take the form of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect and fabricated or induced illness. Signs/symptoms of possible non-accidental injury or neglect include:

• Injuries inconsistent with the explanation given
• Suspicious features/symptoms present
• Repetitive pattern (of visits or injuries)
• Worrying/unusual child or parental behaviour
• Psychosomatic symptoms/failure to thrive.

You may be the only person to see injuries, so it is important to record details of what concerns you have, and take appropriate action.