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Original poster

How should I go about reporting this - child injured by parent?

33 replies

NewHairCat · 22/07/2023 15:06

Today I witnessed an adult purposely hurt their child. I want to report but not sure how.
Do I call the police?
I do not know their name or address. All I know is where they were at the time and what they looked like. There was cctv too.

OP posts:
ChiPawPrint · 22/07/2023 15:07

When you say hurt, what do you mean?

Soggysummer2023 · 22/07/2023 15:08

It will be difficult for the police to do much after the event unless it was serious injury. Ideally you should have contacted 999 at the time. Now you can contact the police on the non emergency phone number or through online reporting.

Original poster
NewHairCat · 22/07/2023 15:14

ChiPawPrint · 22/07/2023 15:07

When you say hurt, what do you mean?

They did something to the child which caused a bruise and the child was crying.

OP posts:
3BSHKATS · 22/07/2023 15:15

NewHairCat · 22/07/2023 15:14

They did something to the child which caused a bruise and the child was crying.

Show quote history

The child bruised right in front of your very eyes did they?

Caused a bruise by knocking them over or smacking around the head there’s a huge difference?

Guavafish1 · 22/07/2023 15:18

report it to 101 please

vodkaredbullgirl · 22/07/2023 15:20

Did you see a bruise and where and how did it happen?

Original poster
NewHairCat · 22/07/2023 15:25

I don't want to give too much info about it. Rather stay anonymous.

The bruise was caused by a forceful action from the parent. It was intended to harm them. When the mum returned I heard her say ' where did he get that bruise from?' And pointed to the area.

OP posts:
idliketogetdownnow · 22/07/2023 15:29

Well ideally you would have stepped in and defended the child or at least told the mother what happened when she returned. Not sure what you can do about it now.

calmcoco · 22/07/2023 16:34

You can either report to the police or ring NSPCC for advice.

calmcoco · 22/07/2023 16:36

idliketogetdownnow · 22/07/2023 15:29

Well ideally you would have stepped in and defended the child or at least told the mother what happened when she returned. Not sure what you can do about it now.

It's easy to say what someone should have done, but it is actually very common to be shocked in the moment.

idliketogetdownnow · 22/07/2023 16:41

Yes, I imagine it was pretty shocking for the child too. Or maybe not, if this is part of a pattern of abuse. Hopefully someone else will step in next time.

And to answer your question OP yes I would go to the police.

GardeningIdiot · 22/07/2023 16:42

Please do report to police, OP.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 22/07/2023 16:58

calmcoco · 22/07/2023 16:34

You can either report to the police or ring NSPCC for advice.

Yes or the local councils mash team. Do it now before cctv is wiped

YukoandHiro · 22/07/2023 17:01

I would go to NSPCC has police are too overwhelmed and under resourced to deal with something that isn't immediate danger to life. NSPCC will get SS in motion.

Horrox · 22/07/2023 17:28

A bruise does not appear immediately?

Sickofchangingmyfuckingusername · 22/07/2023 17:30

Give all details to NSPCC. Where, when, what and who so they can trace if necessary.
I am an hard-faced, old bat and would have probably said something like, ‘Oh little girl are you alright? I saw what happened there.’ loudly, in front of mum to make sure she knew what had happened. I would also argue the toss with whoever caused the bruise, but I have experience in safeguarding and am used to difficult conversations. I appreciate it might not be safe to always do this though.

Original poster
NewHairCat · 22/07/2023 17:37

I was breastfeeding at the time and didn't feel comfortable confronting them. Would I will contact NSPCC and tell them everything I know. Can I do this anonymously?

OP posts:
Jongleterre · 22/07/2023 17:39

How would a bruise instantly appear? A red mark or a swelling but an actual blue bruise?

whatthefreshhell · 22/07/2023 17:45

Ring your local safeguarding hub. Google it for your area

YarisKaris · 22/07/2023 17:50

IM's the nspcc are useless unless you know lots of details like names, addresses, school etc

caringcarer · 22/07/2023 17:53

A red welt might appear really quickly. I think I'd have said nothing until Mum arrived then tell her what happened. That poor child.

GardeningIdiot · 22/07/2023 18:04

NewHairCat · 22/07/2023 17:37

I was breastfeeding at the time and didn't feel comfortable confronting them. Would I will contact NSPCC and tell them everything I know. Can I do this anonymously?

Why do you feel you need to be anonymous? Any agency you deal with will keep your identity confidential.

I also wouldn't rely on the NSPCC. Police and MASH.

decaffonlypls · 22/07/2023 18:05

Because there's no name or address I'd say police

Greenshake · 22/07/2023 18:10

idliketogetdownnow · 22/07/2023 15:29

Well ideally you would have stepped in and defended the child or at least told the mother what happened when she returned. Not sure what you can do about it now.

Yes, this.

Yahyahs22 · 22/07/2023 18:22

I've seen something similar and reported it. Nothing happened. Bare that in mind

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