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An adult hurt me: What is physical abuse

Girl hiding with her head in her knees with adult shadow over her

What is physical abuse?

It’s when an adult hurts or causes pain to any part of your body on purpose. It may leave marks, bruises or cause a serious injury.

Types of physical abuse - hitting, kicking, pushing or throwing things

What it might look like

It might be hitting you hard with a hand or an object like a belt. It can also be kicking, pushing, choking, burning or throwing things at you.

Girl in park thinking about how she feels about abuse

It may make you feel…

Scared, sick in the tummy, shaky, worried or feel like curling up in a ball. This is your body telling you that it doesn’t feel safe.

Kid looking out of broken window

Physical abuse is NOT ok

All kids have a right to feel safe at home. It’s NEVER ok for someone to physically hurt you.

Girl messaging Kids Helpline counsellor, counsellor says "It's not your fault"

It’s NOT your fault

There is nothing you can say or do that makes it OK for someone to hurt you. Abuse can happen to anyone and is always wrong.

Girl holding up her palm with STOP written on it

Things you can do

Say “Stop” or “No” if you can and it feels safe to do. Find a safe place away from the person as soon as you can.

All the adults that can be your supports

Find someone to talk to

Find somebody you can trust and feel safe with. It might be an older relative or friend, a Kids Helpline counsellor or a school teacher.

Boy calling Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800

You are not alone

We are here to listen and to help. Give us a call, send an email or start a WebChat.


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This content was last reviewed 19/07/2018