Was it child abuse?
Did she abuse the child? Yes.
Punitive parenting is the last resort of the parent that has lost control of their anger, or has run out of ideas on how to deal with the situation.
Target, how do you get the attention of someone at work? Do you spank them?
If anyone is interested in not beating their children, you might want to research non-coersive parenting. Nothing MAKES you hit your child. It's a decision you make.