Physical abuse refers to intentional, non-accidental, bodily harm to a child.

Physical abuse refers to intentional, non-accidental, bodily harm to a child.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Sometimes

Answer: (A)

Physical abuse is defined as intentional, non-accidental bodily harm to a child. In other words, the caregiver purposefully causes injury, not injuries that happen by chance or through ordinary risk of activity. Because the definition hinges on intentional harm, the statement is true. Examples include hitting, slapping, burning, or shaking a child, where the injury results from purposeful acts. Injuries that occur accidentally—such as a fall—or harm resulting from medical procedures with proper consent are not considered physical abuse under this definition. In practice, professionals assess whether injuries align with the explanations given, consider the child’s developmental level, and look for patterns that indicate intentional harm.

Physical abuse is defined as intentional, non-accidental bodily harm to a child. In other words, the caregiver purposefully causes injury, not injuries that happen by chance or through ordinary risk of activity. Because the definition hinges on intentional harm, the statement is true. Examples include hitting, slapping, burning, or shaking a child, where the injury results from purposeful acts. Injuries that occur accidentally—such as a fall—or harm resulting from medical procedures with proper consent are not considered physical abuse under this definition. In practice, professionals assess whether injuries align with the explanations given, consider the child’s developmental level, and look for patterns that indicate intentional harm.