What are the most common sources of false accusations of child abuse?

There are few things worse in life than being accused of child abuse, especially for parents. The consequences of a child abuse conviction are severe and could including losing the right to raise your child or even see them on a regular basis. It is even worse if they are false accusations of child abuse.

Although your initial reaction when faced with such allegations will most likely be anger, try to remember that the person reporting the child abuse is likely only looking out for the well-being of the child. Furthermore, the law requires many professionals to report potential instances of child abuse.

The best thing to do when facing child abuse allegations is to try to stay calm. With this in mind, it is important to understand what types of scenarios can lead to a false allegation accusation of child abuse. These scenarios could include:

Misinterpretation of actions:

One of the most common ways that false child abuse accusations get started is when someone misinterprets your actions. Perhaps you are only trying to discipline your child after a public tantrum or maybe you are just trying to quickly move a child out of harm’s way.

Regardless of your true intentions, when a stranger sees or hears a screaming kid, it can be easy to assume that the child is suffering from abuse.

Misinterpretation of bruises:

Some children bruise more easily than others. If a teacher or daycare provider sees bruises on a child, he or she may suspect those bruises are the result of abuse.

Even in cases where the child admits the bruises were the result of roughhousing with a friend or from falling down, your child’s teacher may be hesitant to believe him or her. There is a good reason for this hesitation, as many children who suffer child abuse hide the truth out of fear.

And before you get angry or assume the teacher is lying or is out to get you, remember that the law requires the following professions to report any indication of abuse:

  • Doctors
  • Teachers
  • All school personnel
  • All childcare workers
  • Foster care workers
  • Police officers and judges

Assumption that an underweight child is the victim of neglect:

Many people assume the worst when they see an underweight child; very few stop to consider that things like a medical disorder, genetics, or a different diet could lead to a child being underweight.

Your doctor can help you prove that your child’s low weight is due to any of the above, not neglect.

Lack of information: 

Some children have diseases or disorders that lead to injuries. For example, children with brittle bone disease are more prone to broken or fractured bones. For other parents, teachers, or childcare workers that do not know, it could appear as though the injuries are the result of abuse.

Shaken baby syndrome:

Shaken baby syndrome is a complicated accusation. We know the extreme dangers, including death, which can result if irritable parents shake a crying baby. That is why so many people receive training to spot the symptoms. But we also know that these symptoms could be the result of things other than child abuse, including medical conditions.

How Goldman Wetzel Can Help

The truth is already on your side. With Goldman Wetzel on your side too, we can prove your innocence and ensure that you retain the rights to raise your child.

Our child abuse defense attorneys will locate evidence to prove your innocence and hire medical experts to dispute the government’s accusations with facts.

Do not let a false accusation of child abuse ruin your life. Contact us today: 727-828-3900.