It's not Always Abuse

It is imperative to remember that we are all seeking to find the right balance between caution and respect.

On the one hand we have to ensure that cases of child abuse are reported on a timely basis and then handled efficiently by those in the best position to prevent further instances.

On the other hand, it's quite reasonable to assume that children are usually not victims of abuse, even if they are hurt.  What child doesn't sustain his or her share of bruises and cuts and scrapes as a normal part of growing up?

Although, we would like to assume that no child is ever abused, we simply can't.

And because we cannot always know all the facts in every case, we therefore cannot afford to ignore the signs.  It is an unpleasant fact of life today that we must deal with the suspicions, even when it's later to be found unwarranted.