Consequences of Child Abuse

The consequences of maltreatment can be devastating. For over
30 years, clinicians have described the effects of child abuse and 
neglect on the physical, psychological, cognitive, and behavioural 
development of children. Physical consequences range from minor
injuries to severe brain damage and even death. Psychological
consequences range from chronic low self-esteem to severe
dissociative states. The cognitive effects of abuse range from
attentional problems and learning disorders to severe organic brain
syndromes. Behaviorally, the consequences of abuse range from poor
peer relations all the way to extraordinarily violent behaviours. Thus,
the consequences of abuse and neglect affect the victims themselves
and the society in which they live.
 Many complexities challenge our understanding of factors and
relationships that exacerbate or mitigate the consequences of abusive
experiences. The majority of children who are abused do not show
signs of extreme disturbance. Research has suggested a relationship
between child maltreatment and a variety of short- and long-term
consequences, but considerable uncertainty and debate remain
about the effects of child victimization on children, adolescents,
and adults. The relationship between the causes and consequences
of child maltreatment is particularly problematic, since some factors
(such as low intelligence in the child) may help stimulate abusive
behaviour by the parent or caretaker, but low intelligence can also be
a consequence of abusive experiences in early childhood.