Bruising/Petechial Haemorrhages

Bruising in Children: When Do Concerns About Abuse Arise?

If your child has unexplained bruising, it can quickly lead to involvement from medical professionals or children’s services.

Understandably, this can be stressful and overwhelming for parents, especially where allegations of non-accidental injury are raised.

Why Bruising Raises Safeguarding Concerns

Bruising is one of the most common injuries seen in children. However, in some situations, it may raise concerns about possible abuse.

This is particularly the case where:

• A child is not yet mobile
• The explanation given does not match the injury
• The bruising appears unusual in pattern or location

When these concerns arise, professionals may investigate whether the injury could have been inflicted rather than accidental.

Bruising in Non-Mobile Children

Bruising in babies or children who are not yet crawling or walking is considered unusual and potentially concerning.

This is because:

• Non-mobile children are unlikely to injure themselves through normal activity
• Any injury would usually have been seen or explained by a caregiver

For this reason, unexplained bruising in a non-mobile child often leads to further safeguarding investigation.

Bruising in Mobile Children

In contrast, bruising in mobile children is very common and often part of normal development.

Children may bruise during:

• Play and exploration
• Falls and minor accidents
• Everyday activities at home, school or nursery

However, concerns may arise where bruising is:

• Frequent or excessive
• Unexplained or inconsistent
• Located in areas not typically associated with accidental injury

Patterns and Types of Bruising

Medical professionals may assess the appearance and pattern of bruising when considering how it was caused.

Examples include:

• Small, isolated bruises from knocks or falls
• Clustered or patterned bruising (e.g. hand or grip marks)
• Fingertip bruising
• Circular or unusual shapes

Some children may also present with petechial haemorrhages – small red or purple spots caused by tiny blood vessels bleeding under the skin.

Bruising in Areas of Concern

While bruising can occur anywhere, certain locations are considered more concerning, including:

• Ears
• Neck
• Cheeks
• Back and abdomen
• Genital area

Bruising in these areas may prompt closer investigation.

Could There Be a Medical Explanation?

Not all bruising is caused by injury.

Some children may bruise more easily due to underlying medical conditions, including:

• Blood clotting disorders
• Conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Medical tests, including clotting assessments, may be carried out, and a specialist such as a haematologist may be involved.

There are also conditions that can mimic bruising, such as:

• Acute Haemorrhagic Oedema of Infancy
• Phytophotodermatitis
• Mongolian blue spots (a harmless skin pigmentation)

When Parents Are Facing Allegations

In some cases, parents may be wrongly accused of causing bruising, particularly where:

• The injury occurred during normal childhood activity
• There is an underlying medical explanation
• The full circumstances have not yet been fully explored

These situations can escalate quickly into care proceedings, making early advice essential.

Getting Legal Advice

If you are being questioned about injuries to your child, it is important to seek specialist legal advice as soon as possible.

Early support can help ensure that:

• The medical evidence is properly reviewed
• Alternative explanations are considered
• Your position as a parent is clearly presented

Speak to a Care Proceedings Solicitor

If you are facing allegations relating to bruising or injury, our experienced team can guide you through the process and protect your interests.

Contact us today for confidential advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bruising always a sign of abuse?

No. Bruising is very common in children, particularly those who are mobile. However, certain patterns or circumstances may require investigation.

Why is bruising in babies taken so seriously?

Because non-mobile babies are unlikely to injure themselves, unexplained bruising can raise safeguarding concerns.

Can medical conditions cause bruising?

Yes. Conditions affecting blood clotting or connective tissue can make children bruise more easily.

What should I do if I’m being investigated?

Seek legal advice immediately. Early guidance can make a significant difference in how your case is handled.