Journal Title
The Reporter
Volume
42
Issue
1
First Page
9
Document Type
Article
Publication Information
2015
Abstract
Your office is notified that the daughter of a military member on your installation has been taken by ambulance to the hospital or that the state Child Protective Services has been called by a teacher at the child's school to report suspicious bruising. You get pictures taken of the injuries and something just does not seem right. The bruises are everywhere; they are in the distinct shape of a belt, her knees are scraped, her arms are black and blue and pictures taken the next day show bruising around both of her eyes. You talk to the young girl and she says she deserved it, and it is all her fault. After all, she did misbehave, and this is not the first time she has stepped out of line. The medical records reveal there were no broken bones or internal bleeding, no permanent injury or disfigurement. However, you have heard the victim's account, you have seen the bruising, and you know the injuries could have been much worse. Is this a crime? Is it child abuse? If so, how do you prove it?
Recommended Citation
Sarah M. Dingivan & Anna B. Scott, Parental Discipline Defense, 42 Reporter 9 (2015).