Maternal and child health involves a type of care that necessitates an awareness and knowledge of the signs of abuse as it is a prevalent situation in the United States.  As a nurse we are mandated reporters, and to further that it is our responsibility to gain knowledge in identifying the signs and acting in the appropriate way.  There are various forms of abuse such as neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse.  Each form has “red flags” that when trained can be identifiable.  Neglect you may see poor health such as dental issues and poor hygiene, or the child might state that they are left alone often.  Emotional abuse the child may show signs of delayed emotional or cognitive development, or low confidence and self-esteem.  Physical abuse will show visual signs that have patterns such as fingerprints or ligature marks.  Sexual abuse will be assessed by both physical and emotional such as the child acting in uncharacteristic sexual ways for their development level, or they may have pain in their genitals.  These are only some of the warning signs and require skill and tact when performing these assessments.

Having the privilege of witnessing a lecture by a forensic nurse gave insight and education towards being able to navigate child abuse.  A key takeaway for me was that tact and knowledge are key to assessing.  Not only being knowledgeable in the signs of abuse but general medicine as well.  To be able to rule out non abuse related infections, cognitive development, or various disorders will help formulate solid assessments and steer away from assumptions.  To be tactful in abuse situations is important as these are serious accusations as well as require serious care and sound judgement in approaching them.  My goal is to build on what I have learned and to be both knowledgeable and emotionally competent in navigating abuse situations.

I am a mandatory reporter and have vowed to say something if I see something while acting in a professional capacity, this is the number one rule.  When abuse is suspected it is important to create a safe space for the victim, they must be empowered and in control of the situation.  With the victim’s permission gathering as much information will be crucial in filing the report.  The reporting to can be made to managers of the facility where I work, or I can report to the district attorney.  The mindset behind the reporting should always be about patient safety, so a mindful report will be tailored to the safest outcome.  My education in this matter will be carried out throughout my career and I look to hone my skills as a mandated reporter.