Physical Effects
Although not every maltreated child will experience any or all of these effects, child abuse and neglect are linked to many physical health problems.2
- Recent research has indicated that there may be a link between child maltreatment and a higher incidence of many health problems not typical associated with maltreatment, such as cancer and diseases of the heart, liver and lungs. A possible link between these diseases and experience of maltreatment as a child may be depression, which can affect the immune system and may lead to behaviors such as smoking, overeating and alcohol use that increase the risk of these diseases.
- Besides the immediate effects of bruises, lacerations, and broken bones, child maltreatment can result in longer-term effects such as brain damage, hemorrhages and permanent disabilities. Both physical trauma abuse and neglect can negatively impact a child's physical development.
- Maltreatment may impede development of certain areas of the brain. For example, a young child who is not exposed to the stimuli that would activate important parts of the brain, such as the part that is responsible for emotional regulation. This in turn can lead to difficulties such as impulsive behavior, lack of empathy and difficulty in social interactions.
- Women who experience sexual abuse are more likely to also have continued gynecologic health problems, as well as headaches, obesity and gastrointestinal problems.
Shaken Baby Syndrome
The physical effects of shaken baby syndrome raise from vomiting to concussions, seizures and death. Shaken baby syndrome can also result in mental retardation, paralysis, blindness or partial loss of vision, learning disabilities and cerebral palsy.2
Nonorganic Failure to Thrive
Babies who have been neglected or malnourished may develop "nonorganic failure to thrive". In this condition, the child's weight, height and motor development decrease significantly, falling below age-appropriate ranges, with no medical cause. Nonorganic failure to thrive can result in psychological problems, decreased cognitive abilities and continued growth retardation. In extreme cases, nonorganic failure to thrive results in the death of the child.2
Effects on Academic Achievement
- Child maltreatment increases the risk of lower academic achievement and test performance.2
- Child maltreatment has also been found to negatively affect a child's verbal and problem-solving skills, although the results of various studies differ.2
- Studies have shown that maltreated children have at least a 25% higher risk as adolescents to have low academic performance.2
Effects on Emotional Well being
Children who are maltreated have an increased risk of2
- depression
- anxiety
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- eating disorders
- difficulties relating to their peers
- low self-esteem
- injuring themselves
Studies have shown that maltreated children are at least 25% more likely to experience mental health problems as adolescents. 2
Effects on Behavior
People who were victims of child maltreatment are more likely than people who were not mistreated as children to exhibit violent behavior and to engage in criminal activity as adults.2 Child abuse is also linked to having sex earlier, teenage pregnancy, drug use and juvenile delinquency. Consider the following statistics:
- Studies have found that maltreated children have at least a 25% higher risk of juvenile delinquency, teen pregnancy, and drug use.2
- Children who are abused or neglected are 53% more likely to be arrested as a juvenile.2
- Children who are abused or neglected are 38% more likely to be arrested as an adult.2
- Of children who are maltreated, those who suffer physical abuse are the most likely to be arrested later for violent crime. However, they were followed closely by neglected children.2
- Teenagers who reported a history of sexual abuse were more likely both to have ever been pregnant and to never or rarely use birth control or condoms than teenagers who had not experienced sexual abuse.3
- 50-60% of teenagers who become pregnant have a history of childhood sexual or physical abuse.3
- Women who frequently experienced verbal or physical abuse as children were nearly 3 times more likely to have had sex before the age of 15, compared to women who rarely experienced verbal or physical abuse.3
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