What is physical child abuse?

Most states have a child abuse hotline that you can call to report child physical abuse. You can also call the Child Help National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). Of course, if you suspect a child is in immediate danger, call 911 immediately. read more

Child abuse is when a parent or caregiver, whether through action or failing to act, causes injury, death, emotional harm or risk of serious harm to a child. There are many forms of child maltreatment, including neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, exploitation and emotional abuse. read more

Physical abuse is deliberately hurting a child causing injuries such as bruises, broken bones, burns or cuts. It isn’t accidental - children who are physically abused suffer violence such as being hit, kicked, poisoned, burned, slapped or having objects thrown at them. read more

Physical abuse, a subset of child abuse, is defined in various ways by different states. However, common to all definitions is the presence of an injury that the child sustains at the hands of his or her caregiver. read more