Most states allow people to spank their children, but this varies from state to state. For a parent to punish their teen with physical force, they must have a disciplinary reason. In addition, the punishment must fit the crime and be non-severe.
Some common reasons for spanking are violence against other family members, disobedience, or being disrespectful without breaking any laws or rules. As long there are no physical injuries, and the punishment is of a moderate level, it is considered legal. First, however, you need to understand the differences between child abuse and spanking to avoid legal disputes.
What Defines Spanking?
Spanking is the use of physical force to discipline a child. It is used as a form of punishment. A spanking punishment is a single open-handed strike that falls no more than 6 inches above or below the child’s buttocks.
If there is a genuine reason behind spanking your child and doing it appropriately, you are fine with it. However, you need to keep your cool and not hit your kid too hard. Spanking should be to correct misbehavior effectively rather than inflict pain on your child. When done correctly, spanking can correct behavior and reduce undesired behavior over time.
Difference between Spanking and Child Abuse
Child abuse can take many forms. First is the intentional infliction of injury or the failure to provide adequate care from a parent, guardian, or caregiver. It can occur in any circumstance where a child is being physically mistreated, including spanking and corporal punishment. Child abuse must be reported under all circumstances, and responses should occur swiftly. It is the responsibility of the state to protect children, and further action should be taken to prevent any children abuse cases.
Child Abuse As An Offense
Child abuse is defined as an act or omission on a parent, caregiver, or any other individual that results in harm or substantial risk of harm to a child’s health and safety. It can be intentional or unintentional. It covers a wide range of improper acts inflicted on children ranging from harsh corporal punishment, emotional maltreatment, sexual abuse, and neglect to name a few.
When do You need To Hire Professional Lawyers?
If you have lost control while punishing your kids, then you need to take help from professional lawyers. An experienced parent can handle most situations, but if things go out of hand s any day, you need someone with expertise by your side. Depending on the severity of the case, these lawyers can help you get the best. You may have to hire a more experienced attorney, thus looking for ones with experience in child abuse cases only.
While it is hard to define child abuse in simple terms, it is easy to recognize when you see it. In most cases, child abuse starts as a series of inappropriate actions performed by an adult against the child. This could be anything from grabbing your kid by his arm or hair to verbal threats that might frighten your kid and make him feel unsafe.