Effects of child abuse

Harm experienced in childhood can have significant and lasting effects and children can respond differently to what has occurred.

Children may experience a range of emotional, psychological and physical problems as a result of being harmed, including:

• low self esteem
• increased fear, guilt and self-blame
• distrust of adults or difficulty forming relationships with others
• disrupted attachments with those who are meant to keep them safe
• mental health disorders such as anxiety, attachment, post-traumatic stress and depression disorders
• self-harming or suicidal thoughts
• learning disorders, including poor language and cognitive development
• developmental delay, eating disorders and physical ailments
• permanent physical injuries or death
• violent, aggressive or criminal behaviour or other behavioural problems
• drug and alcohol abuse and high-risk sexual behaviour.

It should be noted that for some children who have been abused, the impacts will not be evident in their behaviour.