Is this Child Abuse?

Question

About 2 weeks ago, I was riding in the car with my dad. He asked me to hold his cup of coffee. We drove over a speed bump and i accidentally dropped his coffee and spilled it on the floor.

He got angry and punched me in the leg as hard as he could. And this man lifts weights 3 hours a day.

It hurt and it left a bruise. It still hurts.

My father was never really a nice man. He suffers from Bi-Polar disorder. When I was 9 he threatened me and my mom with a shotgun and we had to call the police. 4 days ago he got a call from whoever confiscated his gun and told my dad that he would not be getting his guns back and will never be able to own a gun in the USA.

Now my dad is really mad and sad and is not hitting me, but he is moping and yelling at everyone.

But back to my first question about my leg, is that child abuse? Is that legal?

I'm 14. Oh and please don't report this to child services. I just want to know if this is legal.

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

hi

No doubt about it that this is a child abuse..

but i dare to say something ,you know that your father is abnormal,so you and your mom should avoid him or forgive him on this habbit.

i am really shocked and sorry to know that he threatened you and your mother.

may God gave him right way and idea of repect other and family memebers.

take care

Answer 2

That's abuse, yes. But technically, in some states, it is perfectly legal, as I was told by a policeman - whoever is in charge of discipline can discipline me however they want to. But it is wrong nonetheless and I suggest you stay away from him and tell your mother about it, show her the bruise. You may even want to tell your teachers about it and ask them what you should do.

Answer 3

yes, its child abuse and if it persists you should report it to child protective services, he could really hurt you. But by the looks of it, its not really your father's fault he is acting this way. Being bipolar is hard to manage. Sometimes people who have that don't even know what they're doing is wrong until someone explains it to them later. Sometimes b/c of their mood swings they may be blinded by anger one minute and perfectly fine the next, any little thing can trigger it. That being said, if you don't want to call child services atleast tell an adult, and you and your mom should leave before someone gets killed.

Answer 4

Yes, that's child abuse.  One day my dad beat the living daylights out of me.  The neighbors called and said that if they ever hear me cry like that again they will call HRS.  Just tell your dad that he can't keep treating you that way.  To be so cruel, he's obviously suffering a lot, so try to be understanding, but still...  He can't keep treating you that way

Answer 5

**It could be classified as assult.  If someone on the street came up and punched your leg then you'd have them up on assult charges, there's no difference here.**

Answer 6

everything you said, including the punch, is child abuse.  Abuse can come in more ways then just physical.  There is verbal and emotional too.  Get help

Answer 7

Yes, this could be considered as child abuse. He is probably moping around the house because he knows that what he did was mean, hurtful and wrong. If he does anything like this again, I suggest you call someone for help.

Answer 8

yea that is child abuse. and omg ur dad sounds like a psycho.

Answer 9

your parents can beat you as long as it doesnt leave a mark if it does leave a mark its child abuse

Answer 10

Yes, you need to confront him with a threat that you will go to child services

Answer 11

does that sound like child abuse? yeah hun it is, you need to call CPS.

Answer 12

no i dont think that is legal.. he cant punch you or even slap you. the most he could really do "Legally" is swat you on your Butt. But, there are many things that go into that and it really depends on the laws of your state.

Answer 13

Yes it's child abuse and you have every right to report it to the proper authorities.

Answer 14

yes if you wnat it to be

but no if hes angry

as long as he say sorry  

Answer 15

Yes, it's child abuse. No, it's not legal.  You're living in a dangerously abusive situation. You should report it to Child Protective Services-- Immediately!

Answer 16

No, its not legal. Sorry about your dad, hope things get better

Answer 17

it sounds like their could be a problem please be careful if u ever feel like hes going to harm you and your mother you need to leave and tell your mom how you feel or even family  

Answer 18

yea it is, and your dad may need his meds re adjusted. oh and smart not giving his guns back.

Answer 19

yup child abuse

Answer 20

no it's not legal. You need to get to safety and get your dad help. The past history of threatening you and your mom shows that he is not stable enough to be a non-abusive father and husband.

Answer 21

omg yes it is your a Minor b careful O.O

Answer 22

There is a difference between hitting and spanking, I jst dnt understnd whch 1 of those he was doing. Either way, he shouldnt be hiting you. he was driving too fast thats why the coffee spilled..

As far as I knw victims of abuse never wnt to report thier perpetrators. If you let ths go on and on you might end up in a very difficult situation. You better act, fast!..

Answer 23

sorry honey but yeah that is abuse...even if he is bipolar if you see signs that he is going to go on his "rampage" make sure that you always have a phone in sight and call 911 or take pictures of the bruises and talk to a "trusted" adult if you dont wanna call child services.

in that way an adult will know for sures what is going on, so if one day gets really worse they can vouch for you and your family!!

be careful please this is a really serious matter!!!