Corporal punishment is a discipline in the form of physical punishment. Maybe you were spanked as a child when you misbehaved, but over the decades, corporal punishment has died down. However, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
A 2012 study found that 20% of Americans agreed “it is sometimes necessary to discipline a child with a good, hard spanking,” according to Brookings Institution. In contrast, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child in 2006 called physical punishment “legalized violence against children” that should be fully eliminated through “legislative, administrative, social and educational measures.” So, what’s the best way to go about disciplining your child without getting accused of child abuse?
A child abuse accusation can easily feel like a conviction with the pressure and humiliation you may receive from your family, friends, peers, and society altogether. The stigma surrounding child abusers is enough to derail your livelihood and peace of mind for years to come, which is why you must discipline your child wisely when circumstances warrant it.
Some may argue that there is a fine line between normal parent-child discipline and committing a crime against your child. This could be particularly true for parents who received corporal punishment when they were children because they may think it’s still normal to inflict corporal punishment. Now more than ever, however, physical punishment against children is decreasingly popular and generally shamed. As such, we urge against coming close to that fine line between discipline and abuse, because once you’re there, you could easily cross the line.
Physical punishments can negatively affect child development, impacting their behaviors, thoughts, and actions. As a result, a child’s overall health and wellbeing could permanently suffer due to the abuse they experienced. Child discipline is one thing, but child abuse is a crime you don’t want to be accused of.
For context, child abuse is evident through various physical, verbal, and emotional signs, including:
Physical abuse of a child is a felony in Wisconsin, and if suspected of this offense, you may be charged with anything from a Class A felony to a Class I felony. Depending on the type, intent, and extent of the alleged child abuse, you could be charged with the following crimes in Wisconsin:
As you can see, a conviction for child abuse in Wisconsin could get you in some serious trouble. Think twice before spanking your child, hitting them with a belt, or pinching them, to name a few, as these acts could leave a mark and raise questions about your disciplinary actions. While corporal punishment is NOT illegal, taking it too far could be illegal.
If you would like to ask questions or speak to our criminal defense lawyer at Kaminski & Pozorski located in Manitowoc about your case, call 920-684-6694 today.
Phone: (920) 684-6694
Address: 846 North 8th Street Manitowoc, WI 54220
Other Address: P.O. Box 609
Manitowoc, WI 54221
Phone: (920) 684-6694
Address: 846 North 8th Street Manitowoc, WI 54220
Other Address: P.O. Box 609
Manitowoc, WI 54221