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What is physical abuse?
Every child and every vulnerable adult is precious before God and worthy of safety, dignity and care. Across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, physical abuse is generally understood as any non-accidental act that causes pain, injury or harm, or places a person at serious risk of harm. This can include hitting, shaking, pushing, kicking, burning, biting, choking, rough handling, or using force in ways that cause fear or injury. For vulnerable adults, it may also include inappropriate restraint, misuse of medication, or harmful treatment by someone in a position of care, trust or authority.
Sometimes physical abuse leaves visible injuries. At other times, it is revealed through fear, distress or a pattern of control. In every case, concerns should be met with compassion, wisdom and courage. As a Church, we are called to notice harm, respond safely, and help protect those who may be at risk.
Possible signs of physical abuse may include:
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unexplained bruises, burns, cuts or fractures
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repeated injuries or explanations that do not add up
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fear of a caregiver or fear of going home
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flinching, withdrawal, anxiety or unusual distress
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rough handling or controlling behaviour by a carer
One sign on its own may not confirm abuse, but concerns should always be taken seriously and followed up in line with local safeguarding and reporting obligations.
Is physical abuse a concern in Christian communities?
We cannot overlook that physical abuse can also occur in places of faith, including churches and ministry settings. It may affect children, young people and vulnerable adults, and can include harsh treatment, rough handling, intimidation, inappropriate restraint, or any use of force that causes pain, fear or harm. In Australia, inquiries into institutional abuse have shown the serious responsibility organisations carry to protect children. In Aotearoa New Zealand, the Abuse in Care Royal Commission heard nearly 3,000 survivor accounts of abuse and neglect in state and faith-based care. Across the Pacific, child protection agencies continue to warn that violence, abuse and neglect affecting children remain serious concerns.
These realities remind us that Christian communities must never assume physical abuse could not happen here. We are called to create churches, schools and ministries where children and vulnerable adults are safe, respected, heard and protected.