Physical abuse

It is a crime to discipline or punish a child (in a non-trivial way), but hitting a child around the head or neck and / or using a stick, belt or other object. Physical abuse is when a child sustains physical injuries or a pattern of injuries through non-accidental actions caused by the parent or carer. Injuries include bruising, lacerations or welts, burns, fractures or dislocation of joints. Physical abuse includes (but is not limited to):

• Biting
• Cigarette or other burns
• Deprive breathing through attempted drowning or strangulation
• Female genital mutilation
• Poisoning
• Punching
• Severe beatings
• Shaking a child
• Slapping
• Throwing a child

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