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Warning-sign checks

Child abuse: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency help for immediate danger, breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness, seizure, serious injury, suicidal intent, or threats of further violence.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the child's clinician promptly for new pain, bleeding, discharge, vomiting, headaches, sleep disruption, major behavior changes, or concerns that the safety plan is not working.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up should be planned around the child's injuries, development, emotional health, and safety.

    Routine appointments may include wound or fracture checks, repeat laboratory testing, growth monitoring, developmental screening, and mental health visits.

    School support may be needed if concentration, attendance, or behavior has changed.

    Follow-up is often most helpful when it is consistent and trauma-informed.

    This means explaining what will happen, offering reasonable choices, protecting privacy, and avoiding unnecessary repetition of the child's story.

The article also says

Clinicians may also check how the safety plan is working and whether the child and nonoffending caregivers can access recommended services.

New disclosures or symptoms can emerge after the first visit, so continued, calm communication is important.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Child abuse. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.