The ‘Bruising Protocol’ tells staff what to do when they identify a bruise in a young baby, especially a baby who is not yet crawling or rolling. Bruising is the most common physical sign of child abuse. A bruise can be a sign of abuse in any age but bruising in non-mobile babies is unusual and can be associated with life threatening injury. The practitioners guide to the bruising protocol can be found in the link table.

All non- mobile babies with a bruise should be reported to the DSL who will make a referral to the Children’s resource service (Southampton) and Children’s Services (Hampshire), even if the parent feels they are able to provide a reason for the bruise. Staff will provide parents a copy of the bruising protocol: