Which of the following is NOT an indicator of violence?

• A. Timely seeking medical care
• B. Injuries not matching the mechanism
• C. Frequent injuries
• D. Delay in seeking medical care

Answer: (A)

In evaluating suspected violence, the pattern and context of injuries and the timing of care are key clues. Timely seeking medical care is not itself an indicator of abuse; many people receive prompt treatment for injuries, and prompt care does not rule out violence. The other signs are more suggestive: injuries that don’t match the reported mechanism raise doubt about the stated cause; frequent injuries across a period of time point to ongoing harm; and a delay in seeking care can reflect fear, coercion, or attempts to conceal abuse. Together, these patterns should prompt careful, sensitive questioning and safety-focused assessment, while recognizing that none of these alone proves abuse.