Responding to disclosures of child abuse
When a child discloses abuse it can be hard to know how ...
READ MEUnderstanding child physical abuse
Learn more about what physical child abuse is, the signs and impacts it can have on a child.
What is physical child abuse?
Physical abuse refers to non-accidental physical harm (or risk of serious physical harm) to a child by an adult.
- Physical abuse may be intentional or may be the unintended result of physical punishment or excessive discipline
- It can be a single act or repeated acts
- Physical abuse does not always leave visible marks or injuries
- It is not how bad the mark or injury is but rather the act itself that causes the injury or trauma
- Abuse can start slowly with a threat or push and get worse over time
- Child abuse is against the law
If you believe a child is in immediate danger or a life-threatening situation call Triple Zero (000).
Types of child physical abuse
Some examples of physical abuse include:
Hitting, punching or slapping
Choking or suffocating
Kicking, pushing or pulling
Biting, spitting or shaking
Pinching, scratching or burning
Destroying a child’s property
Threatening to hurt a child
Restraining or locking a child up
Force feeding or denying food or sleep
Throwing items or using items to hurt a child
Poisoning or making a child feel unwell with drugs or medicine
Stopping a child from taking their medication
Possible signs of physical abuse
Some indicators of physical abuse may include but are not limited to:
Physical:
- Child has frequent or multiple injuries
- Broken bones, dislocated joints, scratches, cuts, welts or burns
- Bruising or marks that show the shape of an object
- Drowsiness, vomiting, abdominal pain, fits or dehydration
Behavioural:
- Child is unable to explain an injury or the explanation is vague
- Explanation of injury seems unlikely or inconsistent with the injury type
- Arms and legs are covered by clothing in warm weather
- Seems afraid or frightened of parent/s or other adults
- Child is not wanting to go home
Impacts of physical abuse
Children may experience a range of emotional, psychological and physical problems as a result of being harmed, including:
Low self-esteem
Suicidal thoughts
Aggressive behaviour
Self-harming
Nightmares or insomnia
Behavioural problems
Distrust of adults
Developmental delays
Depression or anxiety
Physical ailments
Alcohol or drug abuse
Criminal behaviour
Attachment or learning disorders
Increased fear, guilt or self-blame
Post-traumatic stress or eating disorders
Permanent physical injuries or death
Child protection is everyone’s business! Some adults have a legal obligation to notify authorities (these obligations differ between states and territories).
Reporting child abuse
If you have a reason to suspect a child is experiencing harm or is at risk of experiencing harm, contact an authority in your state or territory and talk to them about your concerns.
ACT - Office for Children, Youth and Family Support
NSW - Family and Community Services (FACS - formerly DOCS)
QLD - Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs
SA - Department of Child Protection
TAS - Department for Education, Children and Young People
VIC - Department of Human Services
WA - Department of Communities - Child Protection and Family Support
NT - Territory Families
There is support available
We’re here to help
Encourage the child in your life to contact Kids Helpline if they need some extra support to cope with what has been happening.
You may find talking to somebody outside of the situation helpful. You could try calling Parentline in your state or territory to discuss your concerns.
For some guidance on responding to disclosures of child abuse, see our article on Responding to disclosures of child abuse.
This content was last reviewed 21/04/2023
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