I don't disagree with that. My point is that physical abuse is ALSO mental abuse – all forms of abuse are mental abuse. The body may heal with little or no signs of abuse remaining. But, the mental abuse of physical and/or sexual abuse remains and triggers will have you feel all those old "healed" physical pains again and again.

Also, boys – especially little boys and young teens – may be physically abused too; and, all too often, when boys are physically abused, it may be more severe because "boys are tough" or "need to toughen up" – they're seen as better able to "take it" than girls. It's almost as if abusers believe boys deserve or require harsher treatment.