Defensive injuries in child abuse are most commonly found on which areas?

Defensive injuries in child abuse are most commonly found on which areas?

• A. Hands and forearms
• B. Face and neck
• C. Chest and abdomen
• D. Back and buttocks

Answer: (D)

Defensive injuries reflect the child’s natural reflex to shield the head and face during abuse. Because the arms are raised to protect vital areas, the most common injuries appear on the forearms and hands (the extensor surfaces of the arms). These wounds—bruises, scratches, or small abrasions—tell us the child was attempting to block a blow coming to the head. Injuries on the back and buttocks are less characteristic of defense and more often relate to the force of the strike itself or to other mechanisms, rather than the protective posture. So the typical pattern to look for is injuries on the arms and hands, consistent with a protective response to abuse.

Defensive injuries reflect the child’s natural reflex to shield the head and face during abuse. Because the arms are raised to protect vital areas, the most common injuries appear on the forearms and hands (the extensor surfaces of the arms). These wounds—bruises, scratches, or small abrasions—tell us the child was attempting to block a blow coming to the head. Injuries on the back and buttocks are less characteristic of defense and more often relate to the force of the strike itself or to other mechanisms, rather than the protective posture. So the typical pattern to look for is injuries on the arms and hands, consistent with a protective response to abuse.