The Effect of Child Abuse

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The Effects of Child Abuse
“Child abuse is more than bruises and broken bones… [it] also leaves deep, lasting scars” (Saisan). There are many forms of child abuse, but all the types can hurt children now and in the future. There is neglect, which is the most common; it is when a guardian fails to give a child what is needed to live such as food and shelter. Physical abuse is when someone hurts a child and causes physical health problems. There is emotional abuse or neglect which is when a person puts down a child or fails to give adequate love and attention. And lastly there is sexual abuse which is ‘any unwanted inappropriate sexual contact’ done to a child, by a parent, guardian, relative, or other individual (Types of Child Abuse). Not one type of abuse is worse than the other, and they all can hurt a child emotionally and physically. Child abuse is not just beatings and bruises, it can have long lasting effects on children’s lives; children who have been abused can experience physiological issues, health problems, and relationship problems later in life.

Children can experience many different psychological issues after being abused. One of the most common issues is a feeling of worthlessness; many children find it hard to regain their self-esteem after being put down repeatedly or being violated for no rational reason. When a child who has been abused grows up they may experience problems when it comes to jobs, they might not believe they are qualified for a certain position or that their coworkers are superior to them (Saisan). Abused children can also have a difficult time expressing emotions, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and anger. It is not uncommon for a child to lash out at someone who is trying to...

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Saisan, MSW, Joanna, Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., and Melinda Smith, M.A.,. "Child Abuse & Neglect: Recognizing and Preventing Child Abuse." Helpguide.org: Understand, Prevent and Resolve Life's Challenges. Web. 11 Dec. 2013. http://helpguide.org/mental/child_abuse_physical_emotional_sexual_neglect.htm
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