An adult hurt me: What is physical abuse
![Girl hiding with her head in her knees with adult shadow over her Girl hiding with her head in her knees with adult shadow over her](https://kidshelpline.com.au/sites/default/files/bdl_image/an%20adult%20is%20hurting%20my%20body-01.png)
What is physical abuse?
It’s when an adult hurts or causes pain to any part of your body on purpose. It may leave marks, bruises or cause a serious injury.
![Types of physical abuse - hitting, kicking, pushing or throwing things Types of physical abuse - hitting, kicking, pushing or throwing things](https://kidshelpline.com.au/sites/default/files/bdl_image/an%20adult%20is%20hurting%20my%20body-04.png)
What it might look like
It might be hitting you hard with a hand or an object like a belt. It can also be kicking, pushing, choking, burning or throwing things at you.
![Girl in park thinking about how she feels about abuse Girl in park thinking about how she feels about abuse](https://kidshelpline.com.au/sites/default/files/bdl_image/an%20adult%20is%20hurting%20my%20body-03.png)
It may make you feel…
Scared, sick in the tummy, shaky, worried or feel like curling up in a ball. This is your body telling you that it doesn’t feel safe.
![Kid looking out of broken window Kid looking out of broken window](https://kidshelpline.com.au/sites/default/files/bdl_image/an%20adult%20is%20hurting%20my%20body-02.png)
Physical abuse is NOT ok
All kids have a right to feel safe at home. It’s NEVER ok for someone to physically hurt you.
![Girl messaging Kids Helpline counsellor, counsellor says "It's not your fault" Girl messaging Kids Helpline counsellor, counsellor says "It's not your fault"](https://kidshelpline.com.au/sites/default/files/bdl_image/an%20adult%20is%20hurting%20my%20body-05.png)
It’s NOT your fault
There is nothing you can say or do that makes it OK for someone to hurt you. Abuse can happen to anyone and is always wrong.
![Girl holding up her palm with STOP written on it Girl holding up her palm with STOP written on it](https://kidshelpline.com.au/sites/default/files/bdl_image/an%20adult%20is%20hurting%20my%20body-06.png)
Things you can do
Say “Stop” or “No” if you can and it feels safe to do. Find a safe place away from the person as soon as you can.
![All the adults that can be your supports All the adults that can be your supports](https://kidshelpline.com.au/sites/default/files/bdl_image/an%20adult%20is%20hurting%20my%20body-07.png)
Find someone to talk to
Find somebody you can trust and feel safe with. It might be an older relative or friend, a Kids Helpline counsellor or a school teacher.