To think this is incredibly depressing........

[Treble9]

Trauma Audit & Research Network Data shows that major trauma in childhood is commonest in the first year of life (especially the first 3 months) and it's primary cause is non accidental injury. This figure seems to have increased over the past 8 years.

If something seems odd or suspicious it probably is. Report it.

Omg that is very but true, and despite all we do seemingly to improve rigours in all areas of society, still it gets worse.

I work in healthcare and see this depressing statistic in real life.

Life has definitely got harder for families in the last decade. Financial stresses, job losses, employers cutting things like sick pay, having no family support/cant afford childcare. These all add to stress, mental health issues and also make it more difficult to seperate from abusive relationships.

We see quite a few incidents where a young baby will have been left in the care of mum's new partner and has come to harm.

Having had a baby myself that screamed for hours and was difficult to soothe I can understand how people end up in these situations. It is never excusable but I see how the situation could unfold....

I also have first hand experience at non accidental injury incidents and am not as understanding as you. There is simply no excuse or reasonable explanation. I would rather someone walk out and leave an infant crying and phone 999 than inflict pain, abuse or murder the child.

Horrific to see and experience this in your daily work. Hats off to you, and hope you get the breaks you need to help you manage, whatever form they take