For children with a history of abuse or neglect, the
emotional trauma remains long after the external bruises have healed. Often
the severe emotional damage to abused children does not surface until
adolescence or later. Without treatment, there is a risk of lifelong damage.
Children who have been abused may display:
A poor self-image;
Inability to trust;
Aggressive behavior;
Passive and withdrawn behavior;
School failure;
Drug and alcohol abuse.
Battering is not the only kind of child abuse. Many children are victims of
neglect, or sexual or emotional abuse.
A child who is the victim of prolonged sexual abuse usually develops low
self-esteem, a feeling of worthlessness and an abnormal perspective on
sexuality. The child may become withdrawn and mistrustful of adults, and can
become suicidal. Often there are no physical signs of sexual abuse, or signs
that only a physician can detect, such as changes in the genital or anal
area.
With interventions such as family support services, and therapy, an abused
child can begin to regain a sense of self-confidence and trust. Treatment
also helps family members understand how to assist the child in overcoming
the trauma.