Physical abuse

Physical abuse is a form of domestic and family violence
Physical abuse happens when someone deliberately hurts or threatens to hurt any part of your body
It can also happen when someone takes away your control over your body. This includes actions that stop you from thinking clearly, moving freely or feeling safe
It is never your fault
Nothing you say or do makes it okay for someone to hurt you
If you or someone you know is experiencing physical abuse, you can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit our website for online chat and video call services – available 24/7.

What is physical abuse?

Physical abuse is when someone deliberately hurts or threatens to hurt any part of your body or takes away your control of your body. It can also be known as physical violence.

Physical abuse can include things like:

Hitting
Slapping
Kicking
Choking
Burning
Shaking
Pushing
Biting

It can also include threats of harm or stopping you from getting what you need. It’s important to know that:

Physical abuse can be anything that causes pain to any part of your body
Someone can be physically abusive even if they aren't using their body or a weapon to hurt you
Some examples of this are:
- Tying, locking you up, or restraining you
- Giving you medicine or drugs to control you. This can also include giving you medicine that makes you unwell
- Stopping you from taking medicine you need
- Forcing you to drink alcohol or take drugs
- Leaving you naked or exposed when caring for you
- Driving recklessly while you are in the car
- Harming or threatening to harm pets
- Breaking or moving equipment you need, like a wheelchair
You don’t have to have bruises, cuts or marks for it to be abuse
Someone saying they will physically hurt you is also abusive. Even if the person doesn’t follow through with the threat.

If you or someone you know is experiencing physical violence it is okay to ask for help.

“1 in 5 adults (20% or 3.8 million adults) had experienced physical and/or sexual violence from a partner, boyfriend, girlfriend or date, or family member.” – Personal Safety Survey 2021–22

Who is responsible for physical abuse?

It is common for people who are violent to say, 'I never meant to hurt you' or 'You made me do it'. These statements are never true. It is never your fault.

Physical abuse can happen in any type of relationship, including by:

Boyfriends, girlfriends, partners, husbands or wives
Ex-boyfriends, ex-girlfriends, ex-partners, ex-husbands or ex-wives
Carers or paid support workers
Parents, guardians or other family members
Adult children
Adolescents to parents
Other people you live with

Nothing you say or do makes it okay for someone to hurt you.

If you or someone you know is experiencing physical abuse, you can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit our website for online chat and video call services – available 24/7.

Next steps

Contacting 1800RESPECT Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about 1800RESPECT, including what happens when you call, privacy information and how to lodge a complaint.

Domestic and family violence

Domestic and family violence is a repeated pattern of behaviour. Abuse doesn't have to be physical to be domestic or family violence.

Safety planning

Safety planning is thinking about things you can do to be safer when living with violence or abuse.