Child abuse and neglect

Physical abuse is dened as the nonaccidental physical injury of a child under 18 years old by a person who is responsible for the child’s welfare (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2014). e injury is considered abuse regardless of whether the caregiver intended to hurt the child. Physical discipline such as spanking is not considered abuse as long as it is reasonable and causes no bodily injury (American Psychiatric Association 2013).