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Physical abuse can take various forms, and its signs may look different depending on the cultural context. Culture shapes our beliefs, norms, and behaviours, impacting how people perceive and respond to abusive actions.

It is essential to recognise that while there are universal indicators of physical abuse, cultural differences can influence how these signs are expressed and interpreted.

Physical Discipline

In some cultures, it's common for parents to use physical discipline to teach right from wrong. This may be motivated by religious or traditional methods of raising a family. This can be tricky to navigate as their culture may not deem it as abuse, while UK law clearly defines physical discipline as assault and a convictable offence.

It is important to approach this sensitively while maintaining the safety of the child at all times, following your procedures for reporting a child suffering from abuse. You can ask your LADO for advice.

Gender Roles

Cultural expectations around gender roles and power dynamics affect how abuse is seen. In cultures where there are strict roles for men and women, abuse might happen more often, but they see it as ‘the way things are’ rather than as abuse from our perspective.

You might notice that some families don’t feel comfortable giving both parents’ contact details, even if they all live together. Children may mention that ‘daddy is in charge at home’ or ‘mummy cries when she makes a mistake.’ This may be reflected in their play too – what roles does that child give to the dolls in home corner? How is that affecting them?

Hiding Abuse

Certain cultures value family privacy a lot. If someone is being hurt at home, they might hesitate to tell others because it's a private matter that should stay within the family for fear of bringing shame or suffering further abuse.

Cultural differences also affect how likely someone is to report abuse or seek help from the authorities. Some people might have a long-held fear of reporting abuse because of a lack of trust in the legal system.

Everyone reacts differently to injuries. Some might try to hide their injuries due to cultural expectations, making it harder for others to notice and help. They may also teach their children not to cry and to appear strong or brave because of perceptions about weakness.

Cultural factors play a role in the strength of social support networks. Some cultures have strong communities that protect individuals, while others might face social isolation, making it difficult for victims to seek help. Both of these factors can keep abuse hidden for a very long time.

A Sensitive Approach

Understanding physical abuse in diverse cultural contexts is crucial for providing practical support and intervention. Social work and healthcare professionals must be aware of cultural nuances and adapt their approaches accordingly.

By promoting awareness and cultural sensitivity, we can prevent abuse and ensure that everyone, regardless of their cultural background, feels safe and supported.

AUTHOR:- Iona has nearly 10 years of experience supporting nurseries and childminders in curriculum planning, leadership, and safeguarding. Her writing is informed by public information and sector insight, aiming to provide accessible, practical support for professionals working with children. She is part of the On the Button team, helping deliver Well-being, Safeguarding and Complaint Management Software that empowers practitioners to identify concerns early and act confidently.

On the Button provides innovative software tailored to the needs of the early years sector, with a strong focus on EYFS well-being and early years safeguarding. Our tools help senior practitioners to confidently track concerns, maintain robust records, and respond effectively — all while meeting statutory guidance. From early years complaint management to team-wide safeguarding alerts, our platform puts children's safety and emotional health first.