Signs of violence

That's how you can tell if violence was involved

  • Unplausible explanation of an accident
  • Injuries at untypical parts of the body
  • Multiple hematomas of different age
  • Untypical burns

(e.g. with imprint from stove top, iron or cigarettes)

  • Injuries of the genital or anal areas, torn or bloody underwear
  • Observation of an aggressive/violent interaction between the patient and her/his partner/relative in the waiting area; injuries of the accompanying person (e.g. hand injuries)
  • Delay in seeking help
  • (Repeated) visit of the emergency clinic at night or at weekends
  • Descriptions of the ambulance crew when handing over the patient to the hospital regarding observations in the patient’s home (e.g. drug environment, drunken parents…)
  • Anxious, frightened patient
  • Over-adaptive behavior of the patient
  • Nervous, evasive behavior when violence is addressed
  • Parents show no interest in the child’s injuries

Checklist

How do I deal with (suspected) violence?

Signs of violence

That's how you can tell if violence was involved

Group for the protection of victims

Where can I find support?