Yep, child of the 70s here. We got the belt. I can still hear the snapping of the leather, my father would use as a threat, if we were misbehaving. I remember when I finally got old enough to be grounded and was given the option, for my punishment. I always chose the belt, since it was over quickly and I hated being grounded!
Schools still had corporal punishment, as well. I got the wooden paddle, one time, in the seventh grade. Still can't remember what it was for, but do remember that I never got the paddle again, so must have learned my lesson.
I swatted my children, on their diapered rear-ends. That was very rare, usually reserved for immediate action (like, running out in the street or something dire that needed immediate attention). I don't think of myself as 'anti-spanking'; rather, I believe I have more time and patience to spend disciplining my children, than my parents had.
I don't think spanking should be taken lightly, as it is way to easy to get out of control. Anger mixed with physical action tends to fuel more physical action and feeds the anger.
I don't believe JA was physically abused, nor do I believe she was disciplined very often nor routinely. I see her more 'rageful', than abusive or submissive (characteristics of victims of abuse).
While rage can be abusive, it is more tragic and deadly. Rage is also very immature and normally controlled before adulthood, as we learn to control our emotions.
I think the lack of discipline played a part in JA's rage issues, her maturity issues, and her lack of understanding boundaries. Unfortunately, the lack of discipline isn't criminal and therefore she isn't a victim.
If JA can be seen as a victim, she won't have to face her responsibilities. I don't think she has ever faced any responsibilities nor has she ever been made to. She's been coddled her entire life; ALV and Dr. Sam are still coddling her.