Question

A 7-year-old girl is brought to the GP by her mother, who reports that the child has disclosed being hit frequently by her mother's new partner. There are bruises on the child’s upper arms. The child asks you not to tell anyone as she is scared. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Inform social services or the local safeguarding team without delay

Answer

Respect the child’s confidentiality and do nothing

Answer

Only tell the child’s school teacher

Answer

Wait to see if the bruising recurs before acting

Answer

Speak only to the mother again and accept her reassurance

Practice question

A 7-year-old girl is brought to the GP by her mother, who reports that the child has disclosed being hit frequently by her mother's new partner. There are bruises on the child’s upper arms. The child asks you not to tell anyone as she is scared. What should you do?