Abuse

Question 1

What is the legal definition of a child in Michigan?

Answer 1

An individual under 18 years of age

Question 2

What is child abuse under Michigan law?

Answer 2

Harm or threatened harm to a child’s health or welfare through nonaccidental physical or mental injury, sexual abuse, or exploitation by a caregiver or adult involved with the child.

Question 3

What percentage of abuse victims experience neglect?

Answer 3

74.3%.

Question 4

What injury is the most common missed indicator of abuse?

Answer 4

Bruising.

Question 5

What does the acronym TEN-4 FACESp represent?

Answer 5

Areas where bruising is concerning:
* Torso
* Ears
* Neck (in children <4)
* Frenulum
* Angle of jaw
* Cheeks
* Eyelids
* Sclera
* patterned injuries.

Question 6

What should not be done when documenting bruises?

Answer 6

Do not date bruises.

Question 7

What are red flags in caregiver explanations of child injuries?

Answer 7

• No explanation
• Vague explanation
• Denial of trauma
• Inconsistent explanations
• Delay in seeking care.

Question 8

What is the leading cause of child physical abuse fatality?

Answer 8

Abusive Head Trauma (AHT).

Question 9

When should imaging be considered in suspected AHT?

Answer 9

CT or MRI in children <6 months, or <1 year with suspicious fractures.

Question 10

What is the role of a nurse when abuse is suspected?

Answer 10

To gather information to guide evaluation—not to identify or confront the perpetrator.

Question 11

What are some signs of sexual abuse in children?

Answer 11

• Difficulty walking/sitting
• Genital injuries
• Pregnancy
• STIs
• Inappropriate sexual behavior
• Withdrawal
• Self-report.

Question 12

What percentage of children know their sexual abuser?

Answer 12

91%.

Question 13

What age is the average entry into minor sex trafficking?

Answer 13

Age 13.

Question 14

What is a mandated reporter’s responsibility in Michigan?

Answer 14

Immediate verbal report to DHS, followed by written report (DHS-3200) within 72 hours.

Question 15

What is the consequence for failing to report suspected child abuse?

Answer 15

Civil and criminal penalties.

Question 16

What types of children are most at risk for trafficking?

Answer 16

• Homeless
• LGBT adolescents
• Runaways
• ‘Throwaway’ youth.

Question 17

Name 3 medical mimics of abuse.

Answer 17

• Eczema
• Impetigo
• Phytophotodermatitis.

Question 18

Why is documenting patterned injuries important?

Answer 18

They can indicate inflicted trauma, such as bite marks or object imprints.