Physical abuse in childhood can have effects that last longer than any physical injuries. A child who has suffered physical abuse--which can include neglect or sexual abuse--is more likely to develop problems with substance abuse in adulthood. Other effects of child abuse include an increase in the likelihood of suicide as an adult. Substance abuse can be a cause or an effect of childhood physical abuse.
Types
Childhood physical abuse can take many forms. Another person may hurt a child intentionally, or through physical discipline or punishment that is particularly harsh. Disciplining a child by hitting him with a belt, for example, can easily cross the line into physical abuse. According to the Helpguide website, any physical punishment that is too severe for the child's physical condition or age is likely to constitute physical abuse. Sexual abuse is another form of physical child abuse, which a child may be reluctant or frightened about reporting.
Signs
Signs and symptoms of possible child abuse may be physical or emotional. A child who frequently has unexplained cuts, bruises or welts may be a victim of physical abuse, particularly if injuries appear to have a pattern such as marks from a cigarette, hand or belt. It can be difficult to discern between injuries from a child's normal physical accidents and injuries inflicted by another person. Bruises from a child falling over are usually on the front of the body, such as the kneecaps; injuries on the backs of the legs or buttocks, for example, are much more likely to be a result of physical abuse.
Effects
Childhood abuse can have long-lasting effects on an individual through childhood and into adulthood. In cases of severe child abuse, physical injuries may be permanent or even fatal. In 2000, 8-year-old Victoria Climbié was physically abused by her caregivers, resulting in her death. The Climbié case catalyzed change in British social services, according to Robert Verkaik of "The Independent." Emotional effects of childhood physical abuse include general problems trusting others or forming close relationships. Sexual abuse may result in a child becoming pregnant or contracting a sexually transmitted infection--running away from home is common in victims of childhood sexual abuse or physical abuse, which in turn may lead to homelessness and an increased likelihood of substance abuse.
Theories/Speculation
Substance abuse has been linked to childhood physical abuse in several ways. Psychology faculty members at the University of Nebraska, in a publication titled "Long-Term Consequences of Childhood Physical Abuse," theorize that childhood physical abuse leads to substance abuse and other problems in adulthood. Furthermore, existing adult substance abuse in a child's home may be a cause, or catalyst, of physical abuse. If a parent or caregiver is an alcoholic or drug abuser, he is less likely to be able to care for any children in his home. According to the Helpguide website, adult substance abuse leads to poor impulse control, which increases the likelihood of child abuse.
Legal Considerations
Childhood physical abuse or substance abuse raises several legal issues. In the case of suspected physical or sexual abuse of a child, every state has some kind of law that mandates reporting of child abuse or neglect. According to Connecticut-based attorney Susan K. Smith, statutes in every state require that certain institutions and professionals report any and all suspected child abuse. Health care facilities and individual health care providers, teachers and other school employees, day care workers, and law enforcement officers must report suspected child abuse.
References
- University of Nebraska Faculty Publications: Long-Term Consequences of Childhood Physical Abuse
- American Journal of Psychiatry: The Relationship Between Childhood Physical Abuse and Suicidality Among Depressed Women
- Helpguide: Child Abuse and Neglect
- The Independent: Climbie Council 'Is Still Failing Abused Children'
