An observable sign of physical abuse could include

• A. Bruises in varying stages of healing
• B. A single bruise on the leg
• C. A fever
• D. Headache or stomachache without other signs

Answer: (A)

Repeated injuries at different healing stages indicate ongoing physical trauma. Bruises in varying stages of healing show that injuries occurred over time, which aligns with abuse patterns rather than a single incident. A single bruise could come from an accident; a fever points to illness, not injury; and headaches or stomachaches without other signs can have many causes and don’t specifically indicate abuse. So, bruises at different healing stages are the strongest observable sign suggesting ongoing physical abuse and should prompt careful safeguarding and assessment.