Understanding the Legal Implications of Spanking
Can spanking be considered child abuse in Oklahoma? Hi, my name is Brian Glass. I’m an attorney in Chickasha, Oklahoma. The answer to this question is, it’s a maybe. Depending on the severity of the spanking, yes, it can be considered child abuse.
Oklahoma law states that anything that is used outside of an open hand can be considered child abuse. So if you’re telling your child to go pick their own switch, that’s child abuse. If you’re spanking your child with a belt, that can be considered child abuse. With a paddle, that’s child abuse. Anything that is not an open hand can be considered child abuse.
And again, the severity of the case can also lead to a charge of child abuse. If you leave a mark on the child, if the child is traumatized in any way, these can be reasons to bring charges of child abuse.
Consult with Our Attorneys for Child Abuse Cases
If you have a child abuse case, reach out to me at chickashalawyer.com.