Physical abuse | |
---|---|
Boy violently slapping another boy's head | |
Specialty | Emergency medicine |
Differential diagnosis | Accidental injury Self-injury |
Physical abuse is any intentional act causing injury or trauma to another person or animal by way of bodily contact. In most cases, children are the victims of physical abuse, but adults can also be victims, as in cases of domestic violence or workplace aggression. Alternative terms sometimes used include physical assault or physical violence, and may also include sexual abuse. Physical abuse may involve more than one abuser, and more than one victim.