physical abuse
Violent mistreatment inflicted
Physical abuse is the deliberate infliction of bodily harm on another person—hitting, kicking, burning, choking, or similar violence.
The term usually implies a pattern of behavior within a relationship where one person has power over another: The child showed signs of physical abuse.
It contrasts with emotional or sexual abuse, though these often occur together.
- protective servicesAgencies safeguarding vulnerable populations
- bruisesDiscolored skin from impact
- assaultViolent offensive act
- punchingStriking with closed fist
- maltreatmentCruel or harmful treatment
broken bones · welts · black eye · burning · choking · blunt force · battering · battered spouse · kicking · humiliation · cycle of violence · domestic violence · slapping · restraining orders · safe house · hitting · biting · corporal punishment
- elder abuseelder neglect, elder fraud, senior neglect, caregiver neglect, elder rights
- aggressionhostility, violence, attack, fight, combativeness
- intimidationthreats, threatening, menacing, intimidate, bullying
- misconductmisconduct, bullying, stealing, vandalism, cheating
- relationship problemsaffair, disloyalty, adultery, unfaithfulness, cheating
- abusemistreatment, maltreatment, cruelty, neglect, violence
physical abuseverbal abuse
Harmful speech targeting someone
emotional abuse · psychological abuse · psychological torment · emotional manipulation · gaslighting
physical abusegentle touch
nurturing · caressing · comforting · cuddling · soothing touch
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