Definition
Physical abuse is defined as:
- Any physical injury, mental injury, or threatened injury, inflicted by a person responsible for the child's care, to a child other than by accidental means.
- Any physical or mental injury that cannot reasonably be explained by the child's history of injuries.
- Any aversive or deprivation procedures, or regulated interventions, that have not been authorized under the law for use in facilities serving persons who have mental retardation or related conditions.
Reasonable & Moderate Physical Discipline
Physical abuse does not include reasonable and moderate physical discipline of a child administered by a parent or guardian that does not result in injury. Minnesota Statutes, section 626.556, Subdivision 2(c), 1-13, lists actions that are not reasonable and moderate when done in anger or without regard to the safety of the child.