What type of abuse is characterized by actions such as slapping, hitting, or shaking a child?

The type of abuse characterized by actions such as slapping, hitting, or shaking a child is physical abuse. Physical abuse involves intentional infliction of bodily harm or physical injury on a child. This can manifest in various forms, including hitting, kicking, or any other action that causes physical pain or injury. The primary concern with physical abuse is the immediate and often severe impact it has on the child's health and safety, as well as the long-term psychological effects that can result from such traumatic experiences.

In contrast, emotional abuse involves damaging a child's self-esteem or emotional well-being without necessarily causing physical harm. Neglect refers to the failure to meet a child's basic needs for food, shelter, medical care, and emotional support. Sexual abuse involves inappropriate sexual behavior towards a child. Each of these forms of abuse has distinct characteristics, but for the actions described—slapping, hitting, or shaking—the defining hallmark of physical abuse is clear.