[wizofaus]

"Only someone who is so privileged as to have never been physically assaulted could think that it doesn't cause life long physiological and psychological damage"

Depends entirely on the degree and nature of the assault. I was beat up badly at school at least a few times, I'd dare suggest if anything it made me stronger, and certainly can't think of anything likely longterm damage it's caused. But I certainly don't presume it's the same for all kids.

[jodrellblank]

I don't think phsyical assault cannot cause lifelong damage. Is it a terrible weakness of my privilege that I would like a society where other people have such a good life as I have had, instead of a difficult stressful dog-eat-dog life to try and toughen them up to survive a dog-eat-dog life? As if that's my business?

> "I was beat up badly at school at least a few times, I'd dare suggest if anything it made me stronger"

Overcoming challenges builds character, but wouldn't it be nicer if you chose the challenges? If you had built strength by choosing to do Karate and learn Mandarin instead of being badly beaten up being foisted upon you? Women report being catcalled from puberty around age 13; is your response to that "if anything it makes them stronger; women who didn't get catcalled are just privileged and weak"?

[wizofaus]

Who said that was my response?? I totally agree that physical AND mental/verbal abuse should be chargeable offenses. I'm less sure why the former is necessarily always worse than the latter, but it's sure easier to prove the damage in court.

[ellopoppit]

That's a very good point which I totally agree with, and also why martial arts and controlled sparring can be extremely beneficial experiences