If physical abuse, i.e. violence, is painful, degrading and against the law, is emotional or spiritual abuse any less painful just cause the outward signs are violent?
A very good question. I've also appreciated others views and comments on the topic of the use of corporal punishment by JW parents.
I agree that psychological scarring, although invisible to the observing eye, is no less harmful.
With physical abuse you can hear, see, touch, smell and taste the literal punishment and its consequences. Anyone who has directly experienced physical abuse, including sexual abuse, will know how all senses are involved in the experience and its re-living. Physically striking and/or violating another person is more easily seen as abusive; hence, its continuance is all the more deplorable.
The reason my question about the Watchtower's sanctioning of corporal punishment is important is that, even modern secular society increasingly views that type of punishment as an unacceptable way to discipline children. Given the JWs claims about being a peaceful, non physically violent people, their defense of using corporal punishment in the discipline children is especially appalling.