If a father knocks his 12 yr old child on the back of the head because she sassed him is that child abuse?
452588
No. That's discipline, unless he actually slugged the heck out of her or punched her in the back of the head. THEN that's abuse.
204271
I can accurately say child protective servies would not have an answer for you. Most parents do believe in corporal punishment with slight variations on where the "line" is marked differentiating abuse from discpline. I would look in professional journals such as Psychology today to find the actual stats.
1085870
absolutely not!!\n\nIf what he is doing is harming your children or you in some way, you have to look out for the kids and yourself.
249958
I don't think so.  Any damages would rightfully go to the victim's family as a basis of the criminal conviction.  You would have to file a different action to get financial support from the convicted father of your kids.
1164470
you are under arest for child abuse sir
250901
No. Legally, you are responsible for him/her. Your only real course of actions would be to try and get relief of custody from the state.
644229
as long as it's not abusive, it's fine.  I was spanked as a child and I learned quickly the difference between right and wrong.  today's parents are too permissive.
354055
The child is in worse mental or physical shape than if the contact were to stop...
683043
We can't answer that for you.  Your primary concern should be your daughter, so concentrate on that.  You were a witness to the event, you need to make a judgement call.  The fact that you are having doubts about his character (wondering if he's a pedophile) make me think there must be more to this story.  If you seriously think this is possible, maybe you need to end the relationship. And if you choose not to, don't you dare leave your daughter alone with him!
126556
They deserve the torment of each other.\nWell, no, that's bit harsh on the poor kid.
293845
Generally speaking, of course they can.  What if the minor was being abused by a parent?
319756
I'm not intimidated by my ex's new gf bc he used to beat me and was very verbally abusive to me too. Plus she's still a minor and he's 24. So if he goes to jail for it, it won't be my problem.
368542
THANK YOU!! women hit hard and men are beaten a lot adn the women are never punished but if a man touches someones shoulder to hard BAM! you get a restraining order and a filthy record. the answer is do the woman thing and call the police. she as a woman is hitting u and putting u in the position of the classic woman. so do what the classic abused woman shoudl do and call the police. have HER arrested...damn good of you..
939416
No I don't believe anyone deserves to be hit for any reason. I raised a wonderful child without ever hitting her. She is well adjusted, masters degree, great job, perfect boyfriend,very family oriented, and mentally sound. You do not have to hit children to make them obey. Hitting is just the lazy way of discipline for parents who don't want to take the time to do it right. Have you ever made a mistake at work? A big mistake that caused the company to lose money or get others in trouble. Have you ever spilled anything at work, a drink or your lunch or broke anything? Have you ever lied about being sick or something more serious? So, how would you like it if your boss or co-workers solved the problem by hitting you. If your boss smacked you on the butt a few times, how would you feel? If your co-workers slapped you, kicked you, or hit you with a belt, would you like it? Its the same thing. You should treat a child like you would like to be treated. Realize that everyone makes mistakes and accidents happen. Hitting your child only makes them believe that violence is the answer to problems. Don't raise another violent person. We have enough in the world now.
667019
its illegal period regardless if a parent permits to it. It is even illegal for a parent to hit u, its called child abuse and the standards have evolves, Social Workers would go into a frenzy if they saw the slightest bruise on a child, or if a child told them that their parents hit on them.\n\nIt was once acceptable to beat your children as it was seen as discipline and teachers especially nuns and priest in catholic schools used to whack the BEJESUS out of children with rulers. That would be, id say 15+ years ago.\n\nNowadays, thats a teacher up for the grounds of dismissal, a criminal case of battery, and a civil case for pain and suffering, the humiliation, and punitive damages.
710679
Tell the friend to get legal advice about child support.  I don't know Singapore law but I image that fathers are held responsible to support their kids just like they are here.  In Canada a 17 year old is above the age of consent and he would not be criminally responsible (unless the guy was in a position of authority).  As for her mental/physical hurt?  Did he rape her? If she had sex with him then she bears at least half of the blame.
1149200
Yes. If she files a claim for back child support. You as the Father should have volunteered to help take care of your child.