PHYSICAL ABUSE

Physical abuse occurs when a child is severely and/or persistently hurt or injured by an adult or a child's caregiver. It may also be the result of putting a child at risk of being injured.  Some examples are:

• hitting, shaking, punching
• burning and scolding
• excessive physical punishment or discipline
• attempted suffocation
• shaking a baby.

Possible signs of physical abuse are:

• broken bones or unexplained bruises, burns, welts
• the child is unable to explain an injury or the explanation is vague
• dehydration or poisoning
• the child is unusually frightened of a parent or caregiver
• arms and legs are covered by clothing in warm weather
• when parents delay getting medical assistance for their child’s injury
• brain damage through shaking or hitting.