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Lacerations (cuts), abrasions and scars when child maltreatment should be suspected

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

  • suspect child maltreatment if a child has lacerations, abrasions or scars and the explanation is unsuitable.
    • examples where child maltreatment should be suspected include lacerations, abrasions or scars:
      • on a child who is not independently mobile
      • that are multiple
      • with a symmetrical distribution
      • on areas usually protected by clothing (for example, back, chest, abdomen, axilla, genital area)
      • on the eyes, ears and sides of face
      • on the neck, ankles and wrists that look like ligature marks

Notes:

  • for the purposes of this guideline, to suspect child maltreatment means a serious level of concern about the possibility of child maltreatment but is not proof of it

Reference:

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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