Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is any intentional use of physical force against another person that causes harm, fear, injury, or a loss of safety and control. Physical abuse can happen between current or former partners, family members, or other people in a close relationship. Physical abuse is not limited to visible bruises or broken bones. It can include any act meant to scare, injure, punish, or dominate another person.

Physical abuse is often part of a larger pattern of abuse and control. A person may use violence in combination with threats, intimidation, emotional abuse, isolation, financial control, or coercion. Many survivors do not experience abuse as a single isolated incident, but as repeated behavior that gradually increases in severity. Even when the physical injuries are minor or hidden, the impact can be serious and long-lasting.

  • Physical abuse can take many forms, including:

    • Hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, or shoving.

    • Grabbing, pinching, biting, or pulling hair.

    • Choking, strangling, or blocking breathing.

    • Restraining someone, trapping them, or preventing them from leaving.

    • Throwing objects or using weapons.

    • Burning, scratching, or otherwise causing bodily injury.

    • Forcing someone to stay in dangerous situations.

    • Denying medical care, medication, food, sleep, or other basic needs.

    • Forcing physical contact or using physical force to intimidate or control.

    Some abusive behaviors may not leave obvious injuries but are still very serious. For example, choking or strangulation can cause lasting damage or death, even if the person appears unharmed afterward. Physical abuse can also escalate quickly, which is why early warning signs matter.

  • Someone may be experiencing physical abuse if they:

    • Have unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or broken bones.

    • Appear afraid of their partner or family member.

    • Make excuses for injuries or seem afraid to talk about what happened.

    • Wear clothing that hides injuries, even in warm weather.

    • Seem isolated from friends, family, or support systems.

    • Frequently cancel plans because another person “won’t let them.”

    • Seem to be monitored, controlled, or escorted everywhere.

    • Mention that a partner has a bad temper, breaks things, or has been violent before.

    These signs do not prove abuse on their own, but they may indicate that someone is unsafe and needs support.

  • Physical abuse affects both the body and the mind. Survivors may live with pain, fear, anxiety, trauma, and a constant sense of being on alert. Over time, abuse can cause serious injuries, chronic health problems, sleep disruption, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Children who witness physical abuse may also experience emotional harm, even if they are not directly targeted.

    Physical abuse is dangerous because it often becomes more severe over time. What starts as pushing, grabbing, or throwing things can escalate to severe injury or life-threatening violence. This is one reason it is important to take early warning signs seriously and not dismiss them as isolated incidents.