Physical

Physical abuse includes spitting, scratching, biting, grabbing, shaking, shoving, pushing, restraining, throwing, twisting, slapping (open or closed hand), punching, choking, burning, and using weapons (household objects, knives, guns) against the victim. Some assaults result in physical injury and some do not. Sometimes a seemingly less serious type of physical abuse (for example a shove or push) can result in the most serious injury. The perpetrator may push the victim against a couch, a wall, or down a flight of stairs, out of a moving car – all resulting in various degrees of trauma.