Hedgehog']The level of abuse is fanon. However that doesn't mean that it's some how less damaging to a kid. Most abusers never actually strike anyone said:
I only know a tiny bit of psychology so any majors here please correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that had beatings by the Dursleys been common and Harry didn't allow the frying pan to hit as intended, he'd assume that he would get worse later on.
Usually the only time an abuse victim "takes it" is when they are told specifically that if they don't it will be worse. Even then you still get flinching or attempts to run. Which is why that threat is a favorite of abusers, they can pull the "it's your own fault I'm doing this" card.
Based on the description I'd say this is a more negligent type of abuse, can't remember the exact term used for that. It is not however negligence. There is a big difference. This type is characterized by people taking a swing at the kid and if they hit, oh well, but if they miss then again oh well. They're not actively trying to cause as much harm, physically, as they can, but they're not holding back much either.
Negligence is where you don't provide any care for the child, but you're also not doing any thing to hurt the child either. You just don't do anything, good or bad. That's why negligence cases are hard to try as abuse.
Sorry if this is excessively long. Abuse is one of those thing I know a lot about, and can kinda get on my soap box about.
Oh,
Delcera all abuse leaves damage of some kind that is more or less "permanent", trust me on this.[/quote]
I meant permanent *physical* damage. I probably should have specified. Note that I tried to keep away from Harry's psyche, 'cause I never took a psychology class, and I don't even want to
think about the state Harry's mind must've been in by the time he got his letter.