Effects of Child Abuse
May 5, 2012 | Society
Child abuse refers to the mistreatment of a child by a parent, guardian or any other figure appointed to care for the well being, and welfare of a child.
The abuse can take the form of physical or sexual abuse, although general neglect and emotional cruelty to the young person can equally be viewed as being a form of child abuse
Frequently the effects of child abuse can linger on into adulthood, though most adults manage to put the experience behind them, the ghost of the abuse in childhood can still be within their minds.
Any child who is suffering abuse, apart from the abusive acts themselves will experience many psychosomatic disorders such as severe headaches, and stomach pain. But very often children who are suffering from abuse will feel extremely fatigued, hungry, and sick.
Abused children frequently become depressed and experience outbursts of rage against their tormentor. Since the youngster does not know what to do about the situation, the rage can often turn to a form of relatively passive aggression. The abused child will try to repay the aggressor in small ways like refusing to carry out household tasks. The victim will certainly show signs of hostility and cynicism toward the abusing person.
For any young person suffering the effects of abuse, there are certain positive things which can be done –
- Talk to a friend or seek out a counselor.
- Tell you story to some other person you can trust like a teacher, or the parents of a friend.
- If danger is imminent do not hesitate to call the police.
- Through trusted adult guidance try and find a new place to live, but do not just run away from home.
For the future of any abused child, the most important thing is the way the young person is taught and guided as to how to deal with the experience. It is essential to put it in the past, and not to dwell on the abusive acts themselves. Dealt with in this manner, there is no reason why any abused child should not develop into a normal well balanced citizen.