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Physical abuse in children

Physical abuse is when a child becomes injured due to intentional body contact.

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What is physical abuse in children?

Physical abuse includes acts like hitting, punching, slapping or choking. Physical abuse can be done by anyone the child meets at any time or location.

What are the signs and symptoms of physical abuse in children?

Emotional signs and physical symptoms of the abuse often go hand in hand, but will differ between age groups and situations.

They include:

  • Drug or alcohol abuse
  • Afraid to shower or get changed
  • Aggressive physical or sexual behavior
  • Anxious or clingy
  • Bruises, broken bones and multiple unexplained injuries
  • Convulsions (seizures sometimes associated with head trauma)
  • Delayed development
  • Depression
  • Eating disorders
  • Falling asleep in class
  • Harms him or herself
  • Impaired mobility (trouble moving)
  • Keeps to him or herself
  • Nightmares or problems sleeping
  • Obsessive or risk-taking behavior
  • Refuses to be touched or jumpy
  • Pain
  • Soils clothes or wets the bed
  • Sudden change in behavior

Physical abuse in children doctors and providers