Inflicted hurt or injury to another individual by physical force, or due to neglect in the case of elderly, disabled, or vulnerable adults. Also referred to as battered person syndrome, intimate partner violence, elder abuse, domestic violence, or other types of victimization. Includes hitting, slapping, beating, whipping, shaking, burning, kicking, torture, imprisonment, or other forms of inflicted pain. It also includes withholding of food, water, adequate clothing and shelter, eyeglasses, medications, or other medical care.

Characterized by unexplained bruising, lacerations, broken bones, and internal injuries. Additional characteristics include poor health, malnutrition, dehydration, medication noncompliance, signs of sexual abuse, sexually transmitted disease, unwanted pregnancy, and other signs of abuse or neglect. Patient may be reluctant to seek medical assistance, falsify explanation of injuries, avoid prenatal care, and present with signs of anxiety, depression, headache, and suicidal ideation.

Management includes reporting. Social, legal, and medical interventions place a high priority on providing protection from further harm.