🚨 Child Abuse Investigation Launched After Columbus Hospital Raises Red Flags 

A call from Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus sparked a serious investigation in Portsmouth just before 1 p.m., after medical professionals reported suspected child abuse to local police. Officers responded by taking information to begin a formal child abuse investigation. 

The details of the case have not yet been released, but what’s clear is that highly trained experts at the hospital recognized something wasn’t right — and took immediate action. 

👩‍⚕️ How Do Doctors Spot Signs of Child Abuse? 

Medical professionals who specialize in pediatrics and child safety are trained to detect patterns of injury that don’t match up with typical childhood accidents. Here’s what they’re looking for: 

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🚨 Common Red Flags: 

• Unexplained injuries: bruises, burns, or broken bones in various stages of healing 

• Injuries in unusual places: such as the back, buttocks, thighs, or behind the ears 

• Stories that don’t add up: explanations that change or don’t match the injury 

• Delays in seeking treatment: a sign caregivers may be hiding something 

• Fearful or withdrawn behavior in a child 

Doctors also use imaging (like X-rays or CT scans) to check for internal injuries or older trauma that may not be immediately visible. 

📋 When Medical Staff Are Required to Report 

In Ohio — and across the U.S. — medical professionals are mandatory reporters. That means if they suspect abuse or neglect, they are legally required to notify authorities, even if they aren’t 100% certain. 

This early reporting can save lives and help law enforcement and child protective services intervene before harm escalates.  

If you ever suspect a child is being harmed, speak up. You can report anonymously by contacting Child Protective Services or your local police department. It’s better to be wrong and report than to stay silent and risk a child’s safety.