Physical Child Abuse

Physical child abuse can include any type of physical action by an adult that causes bodily harm to a child. Most often, physical child abuse involves striking, either open or closed fist, but many other actions are considered under this category as well. Choking, burning, and shaking all fall under this umbrella.. In some states, even fetal alcohol syndrome is thought to be physical child abuse. This is when a woman imbibes alcohol while pregnant, which may cause damage to the fetus while still in the womb.

The subject of whether striking a child for disciplinary purposes is considered physical child abuse is very controversial. While some believe that it should be legal to slap or spank a child, others believe that causing pain in any way because of physical contact is considered abuse. Many countries around the world find it acceptable to use striking in some forms as a disciplinary tool, but this can lead to the acceptance by cultures of physical child abuse among their citizens. Corporal punishment of any kind is illegal, but still used by many parents in the United States.

There is a definite link between physical child abuse and psychological issues later in life. Those that face this kind of abuse are much more likely to be dependent on drugs and alcohol, partake in crimes, and have unprotected sex, just to name a few. To prevent these future negative effects, we need to put an end to physical child abuse once and for all.