when identifying physical abuse you should consider

When identifying physical abuse, one should consider several key factors including unexplained injuries such as bruises, burns, bites, broken bones, or black eyes, especially if the explanations given are inconsistent or unconvincing. Behavioral signs like fear or anxiety around adults, withdrawal, aggression, changes in eating or sleeping habits, and reluctance to go home should also be considered. Additionally, the caregiver's behavior, such as lack of concern for the child's injuries or use of harsh physical discipline, is important to assess. Physical indicators include injuries not consistent with accidental causes, burns showing shapes of objects, fractures inconsistent with the child's developmental stage, and multiple injuries at different healing stages. Behavioral indicators could be excessive crying, fearfulness, withdrawal, or aggression, among others. Consider also the child's clothing that might be used to hide injuries and reports of abuse by the child or others. In summary, identifying physical abuse requires considering physical signs of injury, behavioral changes in the child, and the context and explanations surrounding the injuries and the caregivers' responses to them.