Physical & Mental Effects of Child Abuse
- Jannatul Baki
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
Child Abuse can come in different shapes and forms; it can be verbal, physical, psychological, and mental. Unfortunately, Child abuse is the reality of many homes for kids, no matter what day and age we are in. It can significantly impact the growth of children, hinder their potential and talent, and diminish their joy and happiness in life. No matter the age, no child deserves to go through the pain and manipulation of someone they once considered to be their loved one.
Effects of Child Abuse
It's critical to understand the importance of bringing awareness to this issue, as once it occurs, it leaves a life-long impact on the victim, whilst making it harder to recover from the traumatic experience, mentally, physically, and psychologically.
Physically, it can lead to the child committing suicide or self-harming, while also growing up with cuts, bruises, malnutrition, fractures, broken bones, internal injury, and choking marks. Unfortunately, there are many more examples of what child abuse can do physically to a child.
Psychologically, victims of this issue have a higher potential for depression, substance abuse, and conduct disorder (aggression and violence)
Academically, making them have poor performance at school with decreased cognitive function.
Statistics in America
According to the National Children's Alliance in 2022, a reported 434,000 perpetrators abused or neglected a child. 76% of children were victimized by a parent or legal guardian.
Medicine in Child Abuse
Doctors identify physical signs (fractures, burns, malnutrition) and psychological symptoms (anxiety, PTSD).
Medical imaging and lab tests can uncover hidden injuries.
Treatment
Immediate care for injuries (surgery, wound care, nutritional support).
Mental health treatment: therapy, counseling, psychiatric care.
Long-term monitoring for chronic conditions linked to abuse
Non-medical Treatments
Education & Awareness
- Schools & community programs teach children about safety and boundaries.
- Public campaigns reduce stigma and encourage reporting.
Legal & Policy Measures
- Stronger child protection laws and enforcement.
- Training for law enforcement to handle abuse cases sensitively.
Community & Family Engagement
- Community organizations offering mentorship and safe spaces for children.
- Allow them to feel sad and cry, it's important for them not to supress their emotions & feelings.
Technology & Hotlines
Anonymous reporting systems and child abuse hotlines.
Apps and online platforms for children to seek help safely.
Conclusion
Child abuse is not only a personal tragedy but a public health crisis that demands immediate action to put an end to it. Its effects ripple across physical health, mental well-being, and academic potential, leaving scars that can last a lifetime. Medicine plays a vital role in detecting, treating, and supporting victims, yet it's not enough. Education, law, community engagement, and much more all need to come together to work hand in hand with healthcare to protect children all over the world and gurantee them a world where they can focus on being a kid, not a victim.
Reference:
Gonzalez, Dulce, et al. “Child Abuse and Neglect (Nursing).” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568689/.
America, Prevent Child Abuse. “Child Physical Abuse Prevention.” Prevent Child Abuse America, preventchildabuse.org/what-we-do/child-physical-abuse-prevention/.
National Institute of Mental Health. “Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Disasters and Other Traumatic Events: What Parents, Rescue Workers, and the Community Can Do.” Www.nimh.nih.gov, 2024, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/helping-children-and-adolescents-cope-with-disasters-and-other-traumatic-events.
National Children's Alliance. “National Statistics on Child Abuse.” National Children’s Alliance, 2022, www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/media-room/national-statistics-on-child-abuse/.
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board
