Physical abuse is any act or failure to act that leads to the non-accidental, physical harm of a child or that places the child’s physical well-being at risk. It includes, but is not limited to, beating, burning, choking, kicking, punching, harmful restraint and the use of a weapon or instrument.
Signs of physical abuse include:
- Unexplained bruises in various stages of healing or unexplained fractures, abrasions or other injuries
- Nervous, hyperactive, aggressive, disruptive, and destructive behaviours
- Undue fear of a parent or caretaker
- Unusual wariness of physical contact
