What is Child Physical Abuse?

• Physical abuse is any non-accidental injury to a child under the age of 18 by a parent or caretaker. Non-accidental injuries may include severe beatings, shaking, burns, strangulation, and immersion in scalding water or human bites with resulting bruises, welts, broken bones, scars or internal injuries.

• Unexplained bruises and welts are the most frequent evidence found. They may be in various stages of healing; are often on the child's face, torso, buttocks, backs or thighs and can reflect the shape of the object used (an electrical cord, a belt buckle, etc.). Unexplained burns are often found on palms, soles, buttocks or the child's back. They can reflect a pattern indicative of a cigarette, cigar, electrical appliance, immersion or rope burn.
   

  • Children who are the victims of physical abuse may:

  • Request or feel deserving of punishment

  • Be afraid to go home and/or request to stay in school, day care, etc.

  • Be overly shy, tend to avoid physical contact with adults, especially parents

  • Display behavioral extremes (withdrawal or aggressiveness)

  • Suggest other children should be punished in a harsh manner

  • Cry excessively or sit and stare

  • Report injury by parents

  • Give unbelievable explanations for injuries

• 385 Wyoming children suffered physical injury in 2000. In addition, three children died in 2000 from abuse and/or neglect.

   

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