Physical abuse occurs when one person intimidates another person by inflicting, or even threatening to inflict, physical pain on them.
Physical abuse may involve:
- Threats to shoot or kill the victim
- Shoving, slapping, punching, kicking, throttling, biting
- Assault with objects, guns, knives, or any other dangerous weapon
- Burning the victim with petrol, benzene or any other inflammable substance
Physical abuse can inflict real physical damage that, in some cases, may cause hospitalization or even death.
Physical abuse is a serious matter and LifeLine Southern Africa realises this. If you believe that you are a victim of physical abuse, or think that someone you know might be, get help now. Call your nearest LifeLine Centre, or the Stop Gender Violence Helpline on 0800-150-150.