Delaware County Community College

WHAT IS PHYSICAL ABUSE?

Sometimes physical abuse does not result in physical injury. However, the atmosphere of fear and violence these acts create is abusive and results in the emotional pain that accompanies physical abuse. You have been physically abused If another person has done any of the following to you:

• Pushed and shoved you.
• Held you down or held you from leaving.
• Bitten you.
• Kicked you.
• Choked you.
• Hit or punched you once, twice, or repeatedly, which may or may not have resulted in a visible physical injury.
• Tied or otherwise physically restrained you.
• Thrown things that may or may not have hit you.
• Locked you out of your house.
• Abandoned you in dangerous places.
• Refused to help you (for example, to get medical help) when you were sick, injured, pregnant, or if you are physically disabled.
• Locked you in a room or closet.
• Deprived you of sleep.
• Forced you or the children to ride in a car while that person was driving dangerously.
• Forced you off the road or kept you from driving.
• Pulled your hair.
• Dragged you.
• Pulled your arms, legs, or other body parts.
• Thrown you down or against a wall.
• Ripped your clothing.
• Threatened you with a weapon.
• Used a weapon on you.
• Hit or beat you with other objects.
• Stabbed you.
• Burned you.
• Forced you to participate in violent rituals.
• Physically abused you as a child.