Each of these five sections is then divided into four levels of severity:

3) Minimally Severe

a) Physical force used by a caregiver or by another person with a caregiver’s knowledge but not excessive or inappropriate (spanking on clothed rear with hand).

b) Being sent to bed without supper, but never withholding water.

c) Locked out of house, but is older and has a place to stay or does not need a stranger for help.

d) Confined to room for several hours, no cramped or dark enclosures, or not restricted by tying or binding

e) Implied verbal threats of harm or abuse such as “I get so mad I don’t know what I might be capable of doing…” made by persons who are frustrated but do not appear to the informant to be likely to follow through with the threats.