mls88br asked this question on 2/21/2000:

Is spanking a child Child Abuse?

katlev gave this response on 2/22/2000:

This is a subjective question. I would need more information...

1. The age of the child.

2. Is it in punishment for a well known (by the child) infraction of a rule? What other punishment has been tried and failed?

3. Is it with a bare open hand? Closed hand/fist? Object?

4. Where on the body is the child "spanked" or hit?

5. Are there any lasting marks/bruises/ cuts/welts?

I was a child abuse investigator for a state agency. Please include your state of resident as this may help me help you better.