Bruises

[Whatnoww]

My granddaughter (4) came back from her dad's last night with a huge dark bruise on her buttocks, the finger imprints can be seen quite clearly. When asked what happened both her and her sister(6) said she was sent to her room to clean it and started crying and would not stop so he came in and smacked her and told her to pick up her toys. When she refused he hit her again in the same place picked up all her toys and through them in the trash. My daughter, who lives with me as they dislike each other and have separated doesn't seem to care and will not let me photograph the marks or do anything. My question is whom do I call or what do I do to help these girls out. It is breaking my heart to no end. The parents alternate weekends and the last time they had to leave here the oldest one had a huge panic attack and tried as hard as she could to stay with us because she hates her dad so much. Neither in my eyes are fit parents but with my daughter having them here I at least know they are loved and taken care of by myself and my husband. What do I do, who do I call or what can I do?

[mkh9]

I'm so sorry for this child. I don't believe in hitting a child as punishment either. It is known to not work. But in this case it sounds like abuse. Yes you can call the police and/or child protective services. But the latter may take the child away. So I would get it documented with the police to start with. Do they drink too much alcohol maybe? His wife may be too afraid to do anything. She may be hiding that she is getting beaten too. Hard to know here but that can often happen. That may be why she doesn't want the photos. I hope for the best for all.

[Jinx_777]

legally you may not be a mandatory reporter, but ethically and morally you ARE a mandated reporter. agree with poster above. call police so they  can document injuries.

in nebraska, you just cannot leave a bruise that lasts over 24 hrs, but I do NOT believe in leaving any marks on a child.  

please do the right thing for you grandchild.

God bless you

[flipper336]

You need to call the police so the bruise can be photographed and recorded. You are allowed to punish your kids but when you leave bruises that is considered abuse. The next people you need to call is child protective services. They will also start to investigate for child abuse. So call them whether your daughter wants to or not.

let me know how it turns out.