Reply #93: To my understanding the law defines physical abuse of a child as

[mzmolly]

anything that leaves a mark. You can apparently "spank" a child silly if you can manage without leaving evidence.

Dictionary.com describes spanking as such:

"A number of slaps on the buttocks delivered in rapid succession, as for punishment."

And describes abuse as such:

... to hurt or injure by maltreatment.

"Maltreatment" being the operative word. Is spanking maltreatment? Some here say no, others say yes.