Physical Abuse

The terms physical abuse and domestic violence are often used interchangeably. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) defines physical abuse as “the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another.”

Physical abuse can be things like hitting, slapping or kicking, choking, but it is important to know that:

• Physical abuse can be anything that causes pain to any part of your body
• Someone can be physically abusive even if they aren’t using their body or a weapon to hurt you.  Some examples of this are:
  • Tying you up or locking you up, or restraining you in any way.
  • Giving you medicine or drugs to stop you from moving or thinking clearly
  • Forcing you to drink alcohol or take drugs
  • Stopping you from taking medicines you need to feel well
  • Leaving you naked or exposed when caring for you
  • Destroying or moving equipment you may need, such as a wheelchair

You don’t have to have bruises, scratches or marks on your body for it to be physical abuse. Some saying they will physically hurt you is also abuse.  This is true even if the person never does what they say they will.

Physical abuse is a serious and dangerous form of domestic or family violence. It is statistically more common among intimate partner relationships, but can apply to any family member who is abusive to any other family member.