R.K. Ressler, a former FBI agent and author, wrote in his book Whoever Fights Monsters that “100 percent [of serial killers] had been abused as children, either with violence, neglect, or humiliation.” Though not every case consists of extremes like serial killing, a harmful home life can cause in children the inability to make lasting friendships, depression, and the high risk of participation in criminal activity. A lack of parental support during the childhood years prevents children from being able to develop the ability to make decisions and distinguish right from wrong; this would lead to the incapacity to see the potential consequences of those decisions. In terms of mental, emotional and social development, the presence of absentee,
…show more content…
First, physical abuse results in countless ramifications that negatively impact the child. For instance, when a parent physically abuses their child, that child can suffer anywhere from physical cuts, bruises or lashes to the extremes of brain damage, hearing or vision loss. What happens on the surface is completely noticeable and harmful to the child, but what happens to the child emotionally, behaviorally, and socially can be far more destructive. While not every case of child abuse grows up to be a criminal, psychopath or serial killer, studies show that there is an increased risk for those victim to childhood abuse. Children experiencing physical abuse often develop depression, anxiety and temperament issues. No matter what age, a child has a hard time coping with the fact that the person who should love them most in the world is harming them. Thus, they turn to drugs, alcohol, smoking and sex as a way of escaping from the pain; they place themselves at a disadvantage to succeed in life, as the consequences of these habits include sexually transmitted diseases, liver damage, and cancer. Though verbal abuse is not as visually evident or punishable by law, the negative effects are just as—if not more—destructive as physical abuse. Most commonly, verbal abuse creates trust, self-esteem, and self-image issues in the child. According to American Academy of Pediatrics’, “belittling, ridiculing, disrespecting, relentlessly criticizing, or calling your child names can interfere with her ability to function in society.” Not only does verbal abuse cripple their ability to have a productive life, it can continue to affect their outlook on life into adulthood. The common sense of security of being in their home is stripped from the child, causing some to become extremely submissive and others to lash out and rebel. In either type of abuse, the
First, physical abuse results in countless ramifications that negatively impact the child. For instance, when a parent physically abuses their child, that child can suffer anywhere from physical cuts, bruises or lashes to the extremes of brain damage, hearing or vision loss. What happens on the surface is completely noticeable and harmful to the child, but what happens to the child emotionally, behaviorally, and socially can be far more destructive. While not every case of child abuse grows up to be a criminal, psychopath or serial killer, studies show that there is an increased risk for those victim to childhood abuse. Children experiencing physical abuse often develop depression, anxiety and temperament issues. No matter what age, a child has a hard time coping with the fact that the person who should love them most in the world is harming them. Thus, they turn to drugs, alcohol, smoking and sex as a way of escaping from the pain; they place themselves at a disadvantage to succeed in life, as the consequences of these habits include sexually transmitted diseases, liver damage, and cancer. Though verbal abuse is not as visually evident or punishable by law, the negative effects are just as—if not more—destructive as physical abuse. Most commonly, verbal abuse creates trust, self-esteem, and self-image issues in the child. According to American Academy of Pediatrics’, “belittling, ridiculing, disrespecting, relentlessly criticizing, or calling your child names can interfere with her ability to function in society.” Not only does verbal abuse cripple their ability to have a productive life, it can continue to affect their outlook on life into adulthood. The common sense of security of being in their home is stripped from the child, causing some to become extremely submissive and others to lash out and rebel. In either type of abuse, the