Having experienced formal CP in school on one occasion(now notorious no doubt)and also seen several instances of ‘informal’ CP (cuffing, striking with books etc) by teachers I am still of the view that at the period (sixties)the formal instance was not abuse. The informal instances however to my mind were at the time, and still seem so today.
One of the differences was that the formal instance involved consideration of the offence, and the implied behavioural contract of the school situation, both by the senior teachers involved and myself.
The punishment I received was for a recognised offence, was expected by me (at least in general concept), was considered by more than one teacher (one being my Deputy Headmistress), and was in line with known practice at the school.