Child Abuse: An Overview
> Physical Abuse
Definition of Physical Abuse:
The National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect defines child physical abuse as: "The physical injury or maltreatment of a child under the age of eighteen by a person who is responsible for the child's welfare under circumstances which indicate that the child's health or welfare is harmed or threatened thereby..."10Examples of Physical Abuse include:
Beating with a belt, shoe, or other object; Biting a child; Breaking a child's arm, leg, or other bones; Burning a child with matches or cigarettes; Hitting a child; Kicking a child; Not letting a child eat, drink, or use the bathroom; Pulling a child's hair out; Punching a child; Scalding a child with water that is too hot; Shaking, shoving, or slapping a child.The parent or caretaker need not have intended to hurt the child for it to constitute physical abuse. 2,6,18,23
Note: Every state has, in its child protection laws, a definition, often more specific than this general definition.20
Child Abuse: Just One Story
Child Abuse Introduction | Signs of Child Abuse
Child Abuse Statistics | It's Under Reported
Effects of Child Abuse on Children: Abuse General
Effects of Child Abuse on Children: Child Sexual Abuse
Injuries to Children: Physical and Sexual Abuse
Effects of Child Abuse on Adults: Childhood Abuse
Effects of Child Abuse on Adults: Childhood Sexual Abuse
Definition of Physical Abuse | Signs of Physical Abuse
Definition of Sexual Abuse | Signs of Sexual Abuse
Definition of Child Neglect | Signs of Child Neglect
Definition of Emotional Abuse | Signs of Emotional Abuse
Abusers | Pedophiles
Child Physical Abuse and Corporal Punishment
Treatment for Child Abuse
Costs to Society
Conclusions
References
State Child Abuse Laws
Nationwide Crisis Line and Hotline Directory
National Non-Governmental Organizations and Links
U.S. Government Organizations and Links