Child abuse and neglect is a public health problem with a lasting effect.
Also, this kind of issue is very common in various countries around the globe. In the United States alone, almost 700,000 children are abused every year. Child abuse is not only about inflicting physical harm to children. It might be in the form of sexual abuse, neglect, emotional, and substance abuse. Child neglect is horrifying, because its effects can last for a long time. The impact of abuse can affect not only personal development, but also student performance, as well as the ability of the abused child to communicate effectively.
The Consequences:
- Behavioral Problems
How children are treated reflects on their own behavior and the behavior of their friends and classmates. The New York Times bestselling novel The Glass Castle provides profound insight into how child neglect can impact the behavior of a child.
Try reading college essays on The Glass Castle to fully understand the effects of abuse. Free essay samples explain how The Glass Castle sheds light on child neglect and a detailed explanation of how the Wall children manage to overcome the cruelty of their parents.
Abused and neglected children are usually sad, depressed, and isolated. They can also show externalizing behaviors like being hyperactive and aggressive to other people. Reactions depend solely on how the child adapts to cruelty from a the primary caregiver.
There is a situation in the book where Lori and Jeannette were so hungry, and they can’t find anything on the fridge aside from a small stick of margarine. They ended up mixing it with sugar and turn it into the frosting. However, when their mother found out, she got angry and scolded the two. Not providing for the needs of the children is already a form of abuse, and it might reflect on their behavior.
- Problems on Interpersonal Relationships
Children who are often abused physically and emotionally experience problems in building interpersonal relationships. The parents or the primary caregiver should be the main source of support and encouragement for the child. Experiencing abuse from the parents can lead to trust issues when they grow up.
Children will have a hard time trusting other people because they will always feel that they would be hurt. When they are in distress, they would rather keep it to themselves, which may also lead to the possibility of suicide.
- Violence and Criminal Activity
Abused children usually experience pain and suffering, not only physically but also psychologically. There is also an increased possibility that the treatment will become generational as children imitate the behaviour they learned from their care givers when they grow up.
If you inflict pain and suffering on children, you can expect that they will use violence when they grow up. This may also lead to criminal activities that would destroy the life of the children.
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Children who are often abused by their parents usually look for other things that would help them escape reality. Since they already have trust issues, instead of opening their problems to others, they may turn to alcohol and drugs to dull their emotional pain.
- Youth Suicide
Parental neglect can lead to suicide. Sexual abuse is one of the main reasons for youth suicide. Actually, any form of emotional pain can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Some international studies reveal three out of four children between the age of two to four years old suffer physical and psychological violence from their parents.
Conclusion
Child neglect and abuse can have a devastating effect on children, especially on their early development. Sometimes, it’s difficult to notice if your style of discipline is abusive. Remember, child abuse is not only in physical form. Even the words that you say to your child can be considered abuse, especially if you are degrading or ignoring them.
It is better to learn all about child abuse and find ways on to build a better future.
