The definition of physical child abuse is any physical force or action that results in or may result in a non-accidental injury of a child. Physical abuse may involve striking the child a single time or it may involve a pattern of occurrences. Physical abuse is usually connected to physical punishment or is confused with child discipline.
The community I grew up in during the 1960s and 70s believed that physical child abuse only existed if there were injuries that required medical attention, in particular, hospitalization. Bruising, fat lips, even black eyes in our home didn't constitute abuse.
As children, we were blamed for the injuries we sustained at the hands of our parents. We were told: "See what you made me do" or "I wouldn't have had to punish you so severely if you hadn't . . ."
What about the laws that protect children, you ask? Yes, there were laws to protect children, but few, if any, bothered to report child abuse. Many had no idea what constituted child abuse. This is what motivates me to keep this website and share my story. I'm not looking for sympathy; I'm looking to help people help themselves, and in the process, help others. Especially the ones who can't help themselves, namely, children.