features of non-accidental injury (injury that should raise concerns) in a child in comparison to features suggestive of an accidental injury in a child

Last edited 07/2020

The assessment of any physical injury involves three stages:

• evaluating the injury itself, its extent, site and any particular patterns

• taking a history to understand how and why the injury occurred and whether the findings match the story given

• exploring the broader picture (e.g. the child's behaviour, the parent-child interaction, underlying risk factors or markers of emotional abuse or neglect)

Types of injury:

• bruising
• burns
• bite marks
• eye injuries
• bone fractures
• abrasions and lacerations
• intra-oral injuries

Typical features of accidental injuries

Typical features of non-accidental injuries (injuries that should raise concerns)

Figures reproduced with permission from Harris J, Sidebotham P, Welbury R et al. Child protection and the dental team: an introduction to safeguarding children in dental practice. COPDEND: Sheffield, 2006/2013, www.bda.org/childprotection

For detailed description of the types of non-accidental injuries then see

https://bda.org/childprotection/Recognising/Pages/Physical.aspx