When an adult inflicts non-accidental physical force that has a substantial risk of causing, or does cause, bodily injury or emotional trauma. Physical force between children can also be abusive. Physical abuse injuries can include bruises, broken bones, burns, and abrasions. Children experience minor injuries as a normal part of childhood, usually in places such as shins, knees, and elbows. When injuries are found in the soft-tissue areas on the child’s abdomen or back, or when they do not seem to be typical childhood injuries, the possibility of abuse should be explored.
The following signs are not absolutes but are commonly associated with abuse by a parent or other caregiver:
- Injuries the youth or parent cannot adequately explain.
- Injuries on a youth who has been absent from school or school activities.
- Fear of going home with or to parents/caregivers (particularly if the fear is ongoing or repeated).*
*This section on physical abuse was adapted from How to Protect your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide (developed by the Boy Scouts of America in collaboration with the National Child Protection Training, which is now a program of Zero Abuse Project).