On this page
Useful Management Information
- Physical abuse is any physical injury to a child that is not accidental. Physical abuse does not always leave visible marks or injuries.
- When to suspect non-accidental injury:
- Any injury without adequate explanation are suspicious for inflicted injury.
- Some injuries are more specifically linked to potential abuse.
- Non-accidental injuries can include:
- Bruises:
- pattern bruising (linear, handprints, clustered oval marks, marks consistent with instruments)
- multiple bruises
- Note: Bruises cannot be accurately dated.
- Bruises:
- TEN-4 FACES rule:
- Torso
- Ears
- Neck
- 4 months and younger (any bruise)
- Frenulum
- Angle of the jaw
- Cheek
- Eyelid
- Subconjunctival Haemorrhage
- Abrasions and lacerations
- Bite marks
- Burns
- Uniform scald depth/glove stocking distribution/symmetrical distribution
- Central sparing buttocks
- Patterned burns (e.g. cigarette burn)
- Skin fold sparing (e.g. in the popliteal area)
- Fractures
- Femoral fractures < 18 months
- Humeral fractures
- Rib fractures
- Classic Metaphyseal fractures
- Head injury/Abusive Head Trauma
- Skull fractures < 12 months
- If you have a reason to suspect a child is experiencing or at risk of experiencing physical and sexual abuse without a parent able and willing to protect, it is mandatory to report your concerns to the Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs .
- To discuss an urgent referral or arrange an urgent assessment please call 07 5687 1375 between Monday to Friday 8am – 4.30pm. Outside of hours please call GCUH switchboard on 1300 744 284 and ask to speak to the Emergency Department/Consultant.
Minimum Referral Criteria
Does your patient meet the minimum referral criteria?
Category 1 (appointment within 30 calendar days) |
|
---|---|
Category 2 (appointment within 90 calendar days) |
|
Category 3 (appointment within 365 calendar days) |
|
|
Essential Referral Information
- Reason for concerns of physical abuse
- Type of injury
- Explanation provided for injury by parent/care giver
Additional Referral Information
- No additional referral information
Send Referrals To
Smart Referrals
Preferred Method
About Smart Referrals
Secure Web Transfer
Not available
Internal Referrals
Child Protection (E-Blueslips)
Fax
(07) 5687 1397
Post
Child Protection Unit
Gold Coast University Hospital
1 Hospital Boulevard
Southport QLD 4215
Enquiries
(07) 5687 1375
Service Availability
Dr Priyaneela Kamalanathan
Medical Director Child Protection Unit
Facilities
Gold Coast University Hospital
If you would like to send a named referral, please address it to the specialist listed above, who will allocate a suitably qualified specialist to see the patient. Alternatively, you can view a full list of our specialists.
Child Safety
If you have a reason to suspect a child in Queensland is experiencing harm, or is at risk of experiencing harm, contact Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Services . Please consider if mandatory reporting applies.