I am a massage therapist and today while giving a massage, I noticed this girl a some long scars on her arms, not alot, maybe 3 sets of 3, random places on the arm and looked like were old, she is in her 30's I would guess.
Also, she had alot of other scars and what looked like old cigarette burns???
It was disturbing.
2007-03-08 12:55:30 · 11 answers · asked by tamilynn 3 in Health ➔ Mental Health
oh, my question is, do you think it was a sign of old cutting or abuse?
2007-03-08 12:59:41 · update #1
It could be from cutting herself deliberately. It could be from childhood abuse, or even domestic abuse as an adult. It could be from a violent crime, like assualt or rape. Or maybe she was in a car accident at some point, or ran through a glass door as a child. The only way to know for sure what happened would be to ask her.
The scars were old, so it's unlikely that whatever caused them is still going on. So don't worry about it. Most likely she's already dealt with whatever it was and moved on. And like I said, they might just be from an accident.
She's an adult, so unless she asked you for help, there's not much you could do about it anyway. You couldn't force her to report a crime or seek treatment for a mental illness. If it was from abuse, the statute of limitations has probably run out already. If it was self-inflicted, she's not doing it anymore.
2007-03-08 13:25:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Same here dude! Lol I had loads of beauty spots and I really hated them so I scratched some off and it's left small cut scars and it looks even worse! :L I got some on my face too D; I hate wearing T-Shirts in the summer cos I hate showing the cut scars and spots. FML
2016-03-28 23:49:53 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You said your client is in her 30s.
If that is the case, unless she wants to file a complaint or you can prove she is not competent, or suspect a crime in progress, there is nothing you can do. Also, just because you assumed it was a sign of abuse, self or otherwise, don't assume you are right. People has all kinds of histories that other people wouldn't even suspect.
I believe the best thing you can do is mention to her that you'd be happy to help if she needs someone and leave it at that.
I know you want to help, and you have genuine concern in your heart, but let's not forget we are all adults and we make choices.
2007-03-08 13:07:14 · answer #3 · answered by tkquestion 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi,
i believe it was both, first the burn scars was abuse and she cut to cope. and least you didn't find fresh cuts. when you did her legs, did you notice any scars, fresh or old? especially higher up, as appropriate for you to go? if you didn't, i would gather she is away from the abuse, for some time now and has stopped cutting, either on her own or with mental help. yes, i am sure it was very disturbing to see. if you see her again, give those areas extra attention, she will know, silently, that you know. and pray for her.
2007-03-08 13:32:55 · answer #4 · answered by Sandra Dee 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, she sounds like she used to be a cutter. It's unfortunate, but if she's coming in for massages, maybe that's a good sign that she's starting to take care of herself. If you're that concerned about it, find a respectful way to approach her and ask what they are. Just be sure not to sound like you're looking down on her, or just asking for your own morbid curiosity. And if she doesn't want to talk about it, that's her choice and should be respected.
2007-03-08 13:04:51 · answer #5 · answered by OhKatie! 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Definitely sign of former cutting.
I am a cutter...
It's sad. And I know it disturbed you, but it's probably harder for her--
To think, you change, you get better, but the scars never go away.
2007-03-08 13:27:32 · answer #6 · answered by Nipivy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Can you not anonymously give her name to your local police department?? I assume you have her name given she had to book for the massage. She'll never know it's you, and who knows, maybe you'll save her life. Even if they are old, it's an indication of major trauma and you can't be sure why. The cops can determine why and will protect her. Don't let this go. You have an opportunity here to potentially change someone's life.
2007-03-08 12:59:46 · answer #7 · answered by K 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Maybe childhood wasn't good to her is all. As to cigarette burns.. It's her own fault for those, unless it was by someone else?
2007-03-08 12:59:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it could be from anything. to be honest i don't think its your place to ask her or wonder about it. shes 30+ and she came in for a massage. thats all.
2007-03-09 07:44:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they were old then they are probably old signs of self injurorus behavior. Chances are she's overcome it.
As long as you don't see new signs of injury she's probably OK.
2007-03-12 12:10:04 · answer #10 · answered by The Notorious Doctor Zoom Zoom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋