Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is nonaccidental physical injury that is inflicted by a parent, caregiver, or other person who has responsibility for the child.  Such injury is considered abuse regardless of whether or not the caregiver intended to hurt the child and can result from severe discipline or physical punishment that is inappropriate to the child's age or condition.  Physical abuse may occur as the result of a single episode or of repeated episodes and can range in severity from minor marks and bruising to death.