Indicators of maltreatment or abuse should not be interpreted in isolation; a holistic, context-rich assessment is essential. In practical terms, this means combining multiple sources of information and looking for patterns across physical, emotional, behavioral, and environmental domains rather than relying on a single sign. Direct answer

• Do not view indicators in isolation. Consider the full context, including the child’s overall behavior, development, health history, and family dynamics, alongside any specific signs. This approach increases accuracy and helps safeguard the child.