Child leash

How many of you parents have and or used a child leash on your child?I have one that I have used on her wrist. I had gotten so many rude comments from people saying it "child abuse" I really don't see it that way, I'm just trying to keep my child safe. How many of you think it's considered abuse?

Update: April 23, 2008.
Thanks to all who responded. I don't feel I'm lacking parenting skills, She fights me when I hold her hand. I feel the child leash ( I know some of you don't like that term) Keeps my child with me at all times. It also gives her room to walk, without me having to hold her hand. BTW I don't use it very often Thanks again.