Medical Question - Writers Forum

Annanan1 · 03-19-2008, 08:10 AM

As i have mentioned before i am reasearching a novel (second of two curretn ones) and i have this kid who recieves corporal punishement for a percieved crime (it is a sci-fi) he is given 20 strokes from a cane like thing in jail (such as the asian corporal punishments) what i need to know medically and psychologically what shape is this kid (he is 16 by the way) going to be in afterwards and what are the main medical concerns that ships doctor would face trying to patch him up afterwards? Anyone know?

Hawke · 03-19-2008, 09:08 AM

Caning:

Judicial Caning in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei and Caning - the most dreaded punishment.

No doubt you’ve already found these sites. I think they pretty much cover what you want to know, including an interview or two.

Sam Winchester · 03-20-2008, 04:31 AM

I've been caned before by a school teacher, just before they brought the laws in to disallow teachers to do it. I got five strokes - medium power - and I can tell you it hurt like a motherf***er. In regards to your question: Twenty hard strokes of a cane would leave your back cut and bleeding, perhaps profusely. It would be agonising. As for your mental state, well, I guess that depends on the strength of character of the boy. Some people have a high threshold for pain, both mental and physical. There are no constants, it's all variables. It really is up to you how much you want him to be mentally damaged.

Sam.

Annanan1 · 03-20-2008, 08:03 AM

thank you guys

but how do you treat those kinds of wounds both physiacal and mental ones, that is really what i am needing to know.

Sam Winchester · 03-20-2008, 06:26 PM

Therapy for the mental pain. The hospital would probably stitch up the wounds. After that, you would have to let them heal naturally. Do you want precise details?

Sam.

Annanan1 · 03-21-2008, 04:14 AM

any deatils that you have would be very usful as i am trying to decided what to put into it but i want it realistic. thanks wendy

ScorpioJoe · 03-26-2008, 10:10 PM

Honestly, I don't think 20 cane hits would do much to a person psychologically. Sure, they are going to hate the person that subject them to it, but that is about it. Psychological damage from abuse usually only comes about after prolonged exposure. As far as physical repair, alcohol, bandages, stitches (maybe). But isn't blood, or the lack thereof, the whole reason a cane is used instead of a whip? Anyway, I think if you want your character to have some kind of psychological damage you need to expose him to more abuse than a measly 20 cane hits.