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RUNNING HEAD: CHILD ABUSE PAPER
Research Paper: Child Abuse
Child abuse can have profound and long-lasting effects on the emotional, physical, and
psychological well-being of a child. How a child is impacted by child abuse can be dependent on
the severity, duration, and type of abuse being endured. “Millions of children are victims of child
abuse world-wide. Consequences include long-term health impacts and large societal cost.” (Van
Leuven et al., 2023) Physical abuse in children can range in severity which can result in minor
injuries such as scrapes and bruises all the way to more serious trauma. In addition, children that
experience abuse may develop low self-esteem, anxiety, and/or depression. It is also common for
children that have been abused to act inappropriately, become aggressive, withdrawal from social
interactions and have a tough time maintaining relationships with others. Abuse and/or neglect in
children can have a negative impact on their cognitive development which result in academic
challenges and trouble learning. A child dealing with abuse may display attachment issues and
find it difficult to trust others, especially caregivers and authority figures.
Child abuse can have long-term consequences that increase risks and impact those who
were abused into their adulthood. According to Caberera, Torres, & Harcourt (2020), “Research
has indicated that child sexual abuse can have serious short-term and long-term effects, including
emotion regulation difficulties, non-suicidal self-injury, and suicidal risk.” There can also be an
increased risk of substance abuse that can lead to addiction in individuals who were abused
during their childhood. It can also be difficult when individuals that experience childhood abuse
become parents, requiring support to break the cycle and not allow history to repeat itself.
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RUNNING HEAD: CHILD ABUSE PAPER
“Childhood abuse causes a manifestation of mental, emotional, and physical health issues
over the lifespan.” (James & Green, 2018) This is why it is crucial to recognize the signs of child
abuse as soon as possible. By recognizing signs of child abuse and following the correct
procedures you are protecting the child’s well-being. Once abuse has been recognized steps can
be taken for the child to receive supportive interventions such as therapy, counseling, and any
needed legal measures can address the abuse and then begin the healing process.
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RUNNING HEAD: CHILD ABUSE PAPER
References
van Leuven, L., Enebrink, P., Ghaderi, A., Sorjonen, K., Lalouni, M., & Forster, M. (2023a). A
randomized controlled trial of Safer Kids – A program for parents reported for child abuse:
Short-term effects on further reports of child abuse and related risk factors.Child Abuse &
Neglect,143, 106329.Ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106329
Cabrera, C., Torres, H., & Harcourt, S. (2020). The neurological and neuropsychological effects
of child maltreatment.Aggression and Violent Behavior,54,
101408.Ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2020.101408
James, F., R.N., & Green, Janet,R.N., PhD. (2018). Long term effects of child abuse: lessons for
Australian paediatric nurses.Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing (Online),35(4), 42-51.
https://go.openathens.net/redirector/liberty.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-
journals/long-term-effects-child-abuse-lessons-australian/docview/2063286086/se-2
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