Final answer:
Suspicious injuries for physical abuse include beating, kicking, choking, and other forms of non-accidental trauma. Certain injury patterns, such as bruises in various healing stages, are also red flags. Professionals are required to report these suspicions, but fear and manipulation often lead to underreporting.
Step-by-step explanation:
Injuries that may be considered suspicious for physical abuse and hence should be reported include non-accidental trauma such as beating, kicking, throwing, choking, hitting with objects, burning, or other harmful actions. These injuries are classified as abuse even if the perpetrator, often a parent or caregiver, claims there was no intent to harm. This contrasts with physical contact deemed disciplinary, such as spanking, which is not categorized as abuse if it does not result in injury. However, such disciplinary actions are increasingly scrutinized and can be harmful.
Furthermore, certain patterns of injury might raise red flags for abuse, such as bruises in various stages of healing, injuries in areas not usually susceptible to accidental harm (like the back, thighs, or torso), and repeated hospital visits for injuries. Healthcare professionals, teachers, law enforcement personnel, and social services staff are typically required to report suspected child abuse. Nonetheless, many cases go unreported or denied by the victim due to fear, manipulation, or dependence on the abuser, underscoring the importance of vigilance from third parties.