Child abuse can have considerable effects on a child’s physical health. Physical health problems acquired can …show more content…
Child abuse can cause a variety of psychological and developmental problems on a child and their life. Eighty percent of children who were abused are diagnosed with at least one psychiatric disorder by the time that they are 21 (Livestrong). Abused children feel that they are the odd man out, they’re fearful, and don’t really trust others. As a result, those feelings start to develop into lifelong concerns like low self-esteem or depression. Nearly 54 percent of depression cases, and around 58 percent of attempted suicides in women were connected to their past experiences of child abuse (Blue Knot). Also, children that have been around an abusive, dangerous setting, may react to dangerous situations like it’s something normal, even if the situation doesn’t present itself that way. Given that they are used to that type of dangerous environment; they have a hard time expressing their feelings because they couldn’t express it before. Myths of abused children tend to be that they’ll “grow out” of it, but they’ll always be reminded and some start to show signs of PTSD. Abused children also tend to mark lower on cognitive ability, language development, and even on academic achievement (Child Welfare).
Psychological and developmental abuse can cause issues in a child’s behavior. Abused children are 25 percent more likely to encounter problems in delinquency, teen pregnancy, and drug use in their teenage years (Livestrong). There is an increase in children who have been abused will smoke, abuse alcohol, or take illegal drugs during their life. Victims of child abuse are also more likely to be arrested for criminal behavior. Abused children also tend to have or show abusive behavior when they get older (Child