If someone is hurting your body in any way this is physical abuse.

Physical abuse can range from things that don't cause too much injury like a pinch or a shove.  Physical abuse can get more serious over time to actions that can cause serious injury or even death. Physical abuse may include the following:

  • Hitting
  • Slapping
  • Pushing
  • Thumping
  • Cutting
  • Strangling
  • Pulling hair
  • Biting
  • Scratching
  • Burning
  • Scalding
  • Beating
  • Pinching
  • Drowning
  • Stabbing
  • Torture
  • Breaking or twisting limbs
  • Use of weapons or objects
  • Depriving of sleep
  • Force feeding
  • Starving of food
  • Forced dehydration

If you need help and support please contact Torbay Domestic Abuse Service or check out the Directory for other services. You can also report physical violence to the police.

If you are in danger please contact the police on emergency telephone 999.