Abuse causes injury and death to thousands of children a year, according to The Ohio State University Extension. Child abuse, which can be in the form of neglect or physical, emotional or sexual abuse, can also cause developmental delays for the children who survive it. Sometimes children suffer permanent physical or emotional damage.
Types of Abuse
There are many different types of child abuse. Physical abuse involves any intentional injury of a child, while sexual abuse can include sexual acts with a child or exposing a child to sexual situations or materials. Emotional abuse can involve shaming, name calling, lack of affection or allowing the child to witness other abusive acts. Neglect is also a type of abuse and consists of not meeting a child's physical or emotional needs.
Physical Development
According to University of Iowa Health Care, failure to thrive can result from child abuse. Failure to thrive is a condition that causes a child to experience weight gain and growth that is slower than expected, and typically occurs in children under three years of age. Abuse may also cause reactive attachment disorder, a condition that can prevent a child from forming healthy relationships and reaching developmental milestones.
Emotional Development
HealthGuide.org states that a child who has been abused has trouble safely expressing her emotions and can display unexplained anger. Emotional trauma is likely to occur in any child who has been abused, especially in the form of a damaged self-image. She may feel worthless and lack the drive to strive for more in her life. A child who has been sexually abused may also feel damaged and unwanted.
Social Development
Abuse can inhibit a child from having healthy friendships or relationships later in life, especially if the abuse came from a parent or another primary caregiver. In childhood, the relationship with a parent or primary caregiver is important and, if damaged, can inhibit the child's ability to trust others and develop socially.
Signs of Abuse
If you suspect that a child is being abused, it is important to seek local support immediately. Early intervention can help reduce developmental delays in abused children. Signs of physical abuse include unpredictable behavior, anger and frequently unexplained injuries. If a child is withdrawn or anxious, emotional abuse may be the reason. Trouble sitting or walking or a reluctance to participate in physical activity may be signs of sexual abuse. Signs of neglect include untreated illnesses, clothes that do not fit or bad hygiene.
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