What is Physical Abuse?

Physical abuse is defined as the use of physical force that may result in bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment.

Physical abuse may include but is not limited to such acts of violence as striking (with or without an object), hitting, beating, pushing, shoving, shaking, slapping, kicking, pinching, and burning. In addition, inappropriate use of drugs and physical restraints, force-feeding, and physical punishment of any kind also are examples of physical abuse.

Signs and symptoms of physical abuse include but are not limited to:

• Bruises, black eyes, welts, lacerations, and rope marks
• Bone fractures, broken bones, and skull fractures
• Open wounds, cuts, punctures, untreated injuries in various stages of healing
• Sprains, dislocations, and internal injuries/bleeding
• Broken eyeglasses/frames, physical signs of being subjected to punishment, and signs of being restrained
• Laboratory findings of medication overdose or under utilization of prescribed drugs
• An elder's report of being hit, slapped, kicked, or mistreated
• An elder's sudden change in behavior
• The caregiver's refusal to allow visitors to see an elder alone