Citation

Hawkes N. BMJ 2017; 356: j934.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/bmj.j934

PMID

28228378

Abstract

Professionals who work with children should be curious about “soft signs” that could signal abuse or neglect, a draft guideline from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) says.

These include excessive clinginess, frequent rages at minor provocation, low self esteem, and recurrent nightmares, says the guideline, which is aimed at teachers, police officers, and others who work with children outside health settings. Separate guidance already exists for healthcare professionals.

“This guidance is intended to help at the very early stages, when instinct tells you there’s something not quite right,” said Debbie Eaton, a social worker and member …

Language: en