Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is often the most recognizable form of abuse, as visible physical indications may be evident. It can be defined as "an injury or a pattern of injuries to a child that
is non-accidental." Included in this definition may be the following physical signs:
- welts;
- burns;
- bites;
- strangulation;
- broken bokens;
- internal injuries;
- cigarette burns;
- immersion burns;
- and/ or dry burns (Pacer, 1990).
Physical abuse
can be as emotionally traumatizing as it's physically traumatizing. The betrayal that the child will associate w/a trusted parental figure hurting them can be devastating.
It's also usually accompanied
by emotional abuse, the physical assaults being interspersed with verbal insults & unreasonable expectations. Physical abuse can lead to delayed development,
learning disorders, motor disorders, mental retardation, hearing loss or poor physical growth.
