Reasonable cause to suspect is a determination you make, based on your knowledge of circumstances, observations, familiarity with the individuals, and feelings about the incident.
Knowledge of circumstances would include:
Observations would include:
- Indicators of abuse or "red flags" present
- Behavior and demeanor of the child
- Behavior and demeanor of the adult.
- Are there any other behaviors or other observations important to notice?
Familiarity would include the knowledge you have about:
- The individuals
- The family situation
- Relevant history or similar prior incidents
Think about your feelings and personal biases and consider how they influence your conclusions and actions.