Physical abuse takes many forms including hitting, punching, pulling hair, slapping, grabbing, biting, kicking, breaking bones, bruising, burning, twisting arms, throwing victims against walls and furniture, throwing objects and using weapons. Assault can be of a life-threatening nature resulting in broken bones, miscarriages and other serious injuries. A substantial proportion of victims are threatened or assaulted with weapons such as knives, firearms and axes.
Physical violence can result in murder and often leads to serious physical injury.
The injuries are not always obvious as abusers often make sure the signs of their attacks are hidden under clothing. Most attacks took place at night. While my three small children slept I would sit waiting for him to come home. It was like living with a time bomb. One third of all Australian homicide victims are women killed by their spouses.