Who are the guidelines for?
This guideline is intended for professionals working with children in healthcare and social welfare, as well as in education and early childhood education and care services. It helps professionals act when they suspect that a child has been subjected to violence.
The guideline includes recommended practices. Addressing violence is the responsibility of every adult working with children and young people, in accordance with Chapter 5, section 25 of the Child Welfare Act. Identifying violence is essential for helping, protecting, and caring for the child.
Child Welfare Act, Section 25 (Finlex)
What to do if you suspect violence against a child
Concerns about whether a child has experienced violence may arise due to marks on the child’s body, the child’s own account, or the child’s behaviour.
If you become concerned, do the following:
- Consider violence against the child as one possible explanation. Also consider what other explanations there could be.
- You can ask the child how they are doing. For example: How is your everyday life going? How are you feeling? What is good in your life? What worries you? Is there anything you would like me to help you with?
- If your suspicions of violence strengthens or you would like to discuss the matter with another professional, consult your local emergency child welfare services, the police unit responsible for investigating crimes against children, or a forensic psychology or psychiatry unit for children and young people.
- Do not remain alone with your concerns. You do not need to be certain that violence has occurred. Your concern may indicate that the child needs some kind of help, and the situation should be clarified in any case.
Challenges in identifying violence
Violence against children is often difficult to detect. It may occur within the family, where there are no outside witnesses. It can be hard for a child to talk about unpleasant experiences if they involve a close person on whom the child depends for care.
Suspicion may also arise from the child’s behaviour. For example, the child may act aggressively toward others or play violent games. Such behaviour does not necessarily mean the child has been mistreated. Symptoms can have many causes, such as exposure to parental violence, violent videos or games, unstable living conditions, or neuropsychiatric disorders.
Identifying physical violence against a child
Physical violence and abuse can manifest as bodily harm or actions that endanger the child’s health. Physical violence can also include neglect, such as not providing the child with necessary medication.
If you notice injuries on the child’s body that raise concern, do the following:
Always consider other possible causes for injuries besides violence (e.g., accidents, illnesses, birthmarks).
The location and severity of the injury and the child’s age may indicate whether you should suspect abuse.
Do not lead the child. Ask open questions such as: “What happened?” or “Tell me about this mark.”
Give the child space to speak in their own words.
Consult your local child welfare services, the police, or a forensic psychology or psychiatry unit for children and young people. You can consult them without mentioning the child’s name. Ask what you can tell the parent.
Follow the instructions of the police and child welfare services on when you can inform the parent about the suspicion.
Be alert if the parent’s explanations for injuries are contradictory or minimising.
The factors below may indicate abuse or violence, but do not serve as proof on their own. Investigate further if:
- The injury’s location, severity, and the child’s age do not match the reported cause
- There are multiple injuries or repeated healthcare visits for injuries
- Delays in seeking care
- Contradictory explanations for the injuries from adults
- Adults downplay the injuries
- Interactions between the child and their guardian give rise to concerns
Possible external signs of physical violence
- Bruises, scratches, bleeding
- Burns, bite marks
- Injuries to mucous membranes, oral injuries
- Neglected dental care
Remember: children often get bruises and scratches during play and activities. The location and the child’s account are key in the assessment.
Other possible signs of abuse
- Drowsiness, problems related to growth or development
- Behavioral symptoms, which may also result from other causes such as neuropsychiatric disorders
These symptoms should always be investigated in health care.
See detailed information on identifying physical violence in children of different ages:
Identifying psychological violence against a child
Psychological violence means treating a child in a way that harms their mental well-being. Such behaviour can be a one-off incident or repeated, and it damages the child’s self-esteem, sense of security, or development. Psychological violence can be difficult to detect, and this requires sensitivity and careful assessment.
Psychological violence may take different forms and vary in severity. It is important to understand that psychological violence does not always stem from malicious intent: sometimes it results from inadequate parenting skills that do not meet the definition of violence.
Forms of psychological violence may include:
- Rejection: ignoring the child’s emotions or needs, indifference
- Terrorisation: threats, intimidation, constant criticism or humiliation
- Isolation: keeping the child away from other people or social situations
- Exploitation: using the child to meet own needs or goals, e.g., during a difficult separation
- Neglect: ignoring the child’s emotional, mental health, or educational needs
Sometimes, a tactless situation between parent and child may resemble violence. It is important to assess whether it presents an occasional failure in interaction or continuous harmful behaviour. This is relevant to how you should intervene in the situation.
In case of an inappropriate parenting approach, you can model a more sensitive approach and guide the parent to behave differently.
In case of continuous harmful behaviour, consult child welfare services and file a child protection notification if necessary.
Trusting relationships are important in child and family services. When you know the child and their parent well, the child is more likely to share their experiences with you.
Psychological violence manifests individually. There is no single clear sign or mark indicating psychological violence. The situation often requires long-term assessment.
- Listen to what the child says about their daily life
- Observe the interactions between the child and the parent
- Pay attention to the child’s emotional state, behaviour, and development
The most important way to prevent psychological violence in the family is to support parents in their parenting role. Every child needs a balanced environment.
If the measures you can take in your role as a professional do not improve the child’s situation, consult child welfare services and file a child welfare notification if necessary. By intervening, you can protect the child from long-term harm.
THL’s role
THL is a national expert in violence prevention. We support wellbeing services counties and professionals in social and health care by providing guidelines, recommendations, tools, and training. We also develop structures for violence prevention and coordinate collaboration in the field.
Contact details
Chief Specialist
tel. +358 29 524 8193
[email protected]