Physical abuse is defined as which of the following?

Physical abuse is defined as which of the following?

• A. the abuse of one spouse by the other
• B. Intentionally causing physical harm to another person
• C. Any sexual contact that is forced upon a person against his or her will
• D. the use of spoken or written words, pictures, or gestures that threaten, embarrass, or insult a person

Answer: (B)

Physical abuse centers on intentionally causing physical harm to another person. The defining feature is the deliberate act that harms the body, such as hitting or punching, not threats, sexual acts, or verbal abuse. That’s why the statement about intentionally causing physical harm is the best fit. The other options describe different forms of harm (a relationship context of domestic violence, sexual abuse, or verbal/emotional abuse) rather than the action of causing physical injury itself.

Physical abuse centers on intentionally causing physical harm to another person. The defining feature is the deliberate act that harms the body, such as hitting or punching, not threats, sexual acts, or verbal abuse. That’s why the statement about intentionally causing physical harm is the best fit. The other options describe different forms of harm (a relationship context of domestic violence, sexual abuse, or verbal/emotional abuse) rather than the action of causing physical injury itself.