What can doctors do to about child abuse?

Question

My best friend recently admitted that her dad has been beating her up. I wasnt really sure what i should say so i told her to go to the doctors and show him her bruises and tell him exactly what has happened. She wanted to know what the doctor could actually do to help and the sort of things he might say and if he can phone the police and report it. I dont know the answers to help her so if anyone knows what doctors can do to help your advice is really appreciated.

Answer 1

The doctors are required by law to report this kind of thing to the police/ social survices. In the mean time i would tell you freind to stay away from her father as much as possible. It's sad that there are parents that do this. Just be there for her. If you go to school if you tell a counciler at school or the principal, they may be able to help quicker than a doctor!

Answer 2

The doctor is required to report any cases of child abuse so he will contact child protective services. They will talk to your friend and help her.

Answer 3

They can file a report, but it's DCFS that actually has to do something about it!

Answer 4

The doctor is required by law to report eveidence of child abuse to the County as well as the police.  All he will ask will be things that pertain to her injuries, like how she got them, who gave them to her.

Answer 5

she probably is scared to have her dad to take her to the doctor she needs to take pics and have plenty of evidence and proof before she tells any one because if it is not enough proof he will just come home and be mad and hurt her worst, a grandparent would probably be the best person to talk to because they usually will do what ever it takes to take care of their grandchild.A doctor will ask questions and will report it but that's about all they can do.

Answer 6

if you go anywhere to any adult (even librarians) its their responsibility to report to the police.

Answer 7

do what heather said!

Answer 8

Doctors, teachers, nurses, librarians, are required by law to report it, then DCFS, gets involved and does an investigation, they will talk to your friend, and her parents and any brothers and sisters she may have. Encourage her to talk to someone becasue something really needs to be done if her parents are really abusing her!

Answer 9

The doctor will call the police and they will get ahold of CPS.She will go through a lot of questions.Tell her to be strong