condition name:
physical abuse
condition information
Physical abuse is causing intentional harm or injury to another person through violence or physical contact. Anyone can be affected by physical abuse. The abuser can be any person from within the victim's environment including family members, partners or friends.
Physical abuse can include, but is not limited to pushing; scratching; burning; hitting; biting; choking; sexual assault and throwing objects.
Physical injury is not the only impact from this type of abuse. Victims may feel shame and guilt over what is happening to them and therefore hide it from others. There is also a great deal of fear that can stop people from reaching out and, of course, sometimes the victims are unable to communicate what's happening. Because of this, physical abuse can often go unreported.
