Abuse, for the purpose of this thread is the specific dictionary definition.

Abuse n.

To hurt or injure by maltreatment; ill-use.
To force sexual activity on; rape or molest.
To assail with contemptuous, coarse, or insulting words; revile.


I don't find corporal punishment to be particularly abusive, if it's not excessive. However, before that debate heats up, I must remind people that this thread was not opened for the purpose of debating corporal punishment. I have to ask those that wish to debate that subject to open a thread for that purpose.