Child Abuses Defines the Mistreatment

Child abuses defines the mistreatment of a child. Abuse comes in many different forms (sexual, physical, mental, emotional). While the primary reason for this is unknown, there are many speculations over what causes a parent to act out in such a way of violence, however, it is believed that abuse is a cycle that will never truly end. The mental effects of child abuse can last a lifetime because it manifests itself in many ways such as anxiety, depression and many other mental health issues (Tollefson).

Abuse has been shown to cause areas of the brain to fail or not develop properly. In the long run, these kids will develop cognitive, learning, and various behavioral problems. Twenty-eight percent of kids who were previously abused developed a chronic health condition later in their life (Felitti and Andi). The instant effects of abuse are fear, isolation and the inability to trust others. Depression and relationship difficulties are lifelong problems that are typical to arise.

These issues are likely to turn into lifelong problems that may be life threatening. A study found that 54 percent of cases of depression and 58 percent of suicide attempts in women were connected to abusive childhood experiences. Eighty percent overall of suicide attempts were abused in the past. The risk for cognitive problems are high among previously abused children, which directly correlates with the repetition of grades. (Herrenkohl)

Research has shown that adults, Mostly women, are at a higher risk for re-victimisation in later life. To be exact, 72% of the women were abused later in their lifetime. Violence and criminal behavior is found to be frequent among previously abused individuals. Adults with a history of abuse have a higher likelihood of violent criminal behavior and arrests. Adult with a past of physical abuse in their childhood may be more likely to be violent, due to the fact they were taught that kind of behavior is accepted for responding to stress or conflict resolution (Young and Widom). Homelessness among victims of child abuse is very high. Sixty point eight percent of the homeless population have been raped at a young age. Homelessness and criminal behavior correlate with substance use, which is found to be the reason that substance abuse rates are so high among these victims.

When the victim decides to get married and have a family of their own, this abusive cycle is common to continue. This is caused by the fact they never had an example of being disciplined the correct way. Each study that has been released shows something new and the percentage rate is always changing. But some examples where the victim typically continues the cycle are, the abused started early, the victim was close with the perpetrator, the abuse lasted a long time (Currie and Widom). Not every victim is doomed to a life of abuse, the cycle can always be broken. Though it is hard, it is achievable.

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