Interactive Performance Guide

MARC protocol

Learn how to act when suspected of child and adolescent abuse. You must respond correctly to each step to continue.

Step 1 of 4

Detection and Initial Suspicion

Suspicion may arise from physical, behavioral or story indicators. Your role is not to investigate, but to detect and protect.

Physical Indicators

Unexplained injuries or injuries in unusual locations (back, abdomen).
Injuries in different healing phases.
Burns with defined patterns.
Lack of hygiene or care (negligence).

Behavioral and Abuse Indicators

Extreme fear, anxiety, sudden aggression.
Inconsistent or implausible stories.
In sexual abuse: genital injuries, STIs, or age-inappropriate sexual knowledge.

Verification Question:

A 5-year-old boy arrives with several bruises on his back and abdomen. The parents say he "fell off his bike." What is the most relevant indicator of suspicion?

A) The parents' story, since children fall a lot.

B) The location of the bruises, which is not typical of a bicycle fall.

C) If the child is very quiet, it may just be shyness.

Step 2 of 4

Medical Performance and Information Collection

The priority is medical care. Simultaneously, document everything meticulously and objectively.

1. Urgent Medical Care: Stabilizes and treats all injuries. Consider hospital admission as a protective measure.

2. Anamnesis: Talk to the child alone if possible, using simple language. Document your words literal.

3. Physical Examination: Examines the child completely (undressed) and documents all injuries (type, size, location).

Verification Question:

When writing the medical report, what is the correct way to reflect the minor's explanation?

A) Summarize what you think the child meant.

B) Write your exact words in quotes.

C) Avoid including the child's words so as not to compromise him.

Step 3 of 4

Official Notification

The notification is a legal obligation based on suspicion, not certainty. The key is determining the level of risk.

HIGH RISK / URGENCY

Serious and imminent danger (serious injuries, recent sexual abuse, shaken baby).

ACTION: URGENT telephone communication to DGAIA or 112 (Mossos), and sending a notification sheet in <24 hours.

MILD-MODERATE RISK

There is no imminent danger, but there are indicators (moderate negligence).

ACTION: Sending a notification sheet to the EAIA of the territory. No call required.

Verification Question:

You care for an infant with injuries consistent with "shaken baby syndrome." What is the first notification action you should take?

A) Calmly fill out the notification form to send it to the EAIA.

B) Make an urgent phone call to the DGAIA or 112.

C) Wait for the results of all tests to arrive to be sure.

Step 4 of 4

Medical Report and Follow-up

The report must be detailed and objective. Coordination with other services and registration in the medical history are crucial.

Key Content of the Report

Data, date and time.
Anamnesis (literal stories).
Objective description of the physical examination.
Tests, diagnosis and treatment.
Objective conclusion: use phrases like "lesions compatible with...".

Final Verification Question:

Which of these statements is most appropriate for the conclusion of a report of suspected abuse?

A) "The father has mistreated the child."

B) "The injuries are compatible with physical aggression by an adult."

C) "The parents' story is false."

Congratulations!

You have completed the MARC Protocol interactive guide. Now you have the key knowledge to act correctly when faced with suspected child abuse.