The subjectivity of defining "child abuse"

[DrPhil]

As long as it is only a few times swat and it is over clothing?

There are families (and cultures) where it will always be more than a few times or that few times will be strong enough to leave a mark (at least a whelp). And removing the clothes, either completely or the pants, is standard.

There are also people who will report a parent for child abuse for "swatting a few times over clothing".