Bruises may have a particular pattern or shape indicative of how they were inflicted. Examples include hand-shaped bruises, the imprint from a belt buckle, linear bruising from being struck by a rod or stick, and curvilinear loop marks caused by striking with a cable or cord.

Abusive bruising may be the result of a victim being punched, kicked, choked, squeezed or held down. Or, they may have been struck with a firm or flexible object ranging from a stick or bat to a belt or electrical cord (or any other striking implement you can think of).

If someone is experiencing physical abuse, you may be able to identify signs such as a pattern of bruises or injuries.

Bruises may seem like something normal for playful kids. However, even small bruises can signify child abuse. A bruise means that a child is just rambunctious, right? Possibly, but some bruising can signify something much more serious: child abuse. Being able to tell whether a bruise could be from abuse can help protect a child.