The consequences of child maltreatment

A quarter of adults around the world say they suffered child abuse. To this shocking figure are joined the fatal consequences of these actions in children while they are and when they get older. Coinciding with the World Day of Children Innocent Victims of Aggression, We remember these consequences.

Child maltreatment is all kinds of abuse and, also, neglect of minors, including both physical abuse such as psychological, sexual abuse, neglect, negligence and commercial or other exploitation that may cause damage to the health, development or dignity of the child, as explained by the World Health Organization (WHO).


Serious consequences of child maltreatment

"Child maltreatment is a global problem with serious consequences that can last a lifetime ", warn from this organization, adding that the abuse causes stress and is also associated with disorders of early brain development. "Extreme cases of stress can alter the development of the nervous and immune systems," they warn.

Therefore, adults who suffered from child abuse as children are more likely to have behavioral, physical and mental problems such as the following:

-Acts of violence (being the victims but also the perpetrators)


-Depression

-Cup of tobacco

-Obesity

-High-risk sexual behaviors

-Unwanted pregnancies

- Undue consumption of alcohol and drugs

But not only that: "Through these consequences in behavior and mental health, abuse can contribute to the heart disease, cancer, suicide and to sexually transmitted infections, "they lament.

To all this, in addition, the economic impact of these actions: from hospitalization costs to treatments for mental health reasons, social services for children or long-term health costs.

Children have special protection precisely because they are helpless beings. For this reason, it has been stipulated that on June 4 it will be the International Day of Innocent Victims of Aggression, a date that aims to "recognize the pain suffered by children around the world who are victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse. ", as they remember from the United Nations. We want to remember the need to protect the rights of children and, among them, that of physical and moral integrity.


If you think a child is being abused, do not hesitate to go to the police, reporting in the police station or calling 091 if the alleged abuse is happening right at the moment. Do it even if you are doubting: the agents will investigate the specific case and determine if, in fact, it is ill-treatment. Maybe you are saving a life and creating a healthy adult.

Angela R. Bonachera

Video: Reaching Out: Hannah's Story, the tragic story of abuse as told by Cook Children’s


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