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Investigating the Long-Term Effects of Physical Child Abuse Essay

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Everyday there are children being abused by someone who is supposed to protect them. An estimated 905,000 children were victims of child abuse or neglect in 2006(Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2008). In 1996, more than three million victims of suspected abuse were reported to child protective services agencies in the United States (Baker, 2002). The numbers have changed and still many cases of abuse go unreported. The number of incidences of child abuse rises when the family is under stress, such as being in our economy. The effects of physical abuse can last a lifetime and are measured by the physical, psychological, behavioral, or social outcomes. Normal physical abuse scenario involves a parent who loses control and lashes …show more content…

Having emotional problems affects the way someone identify with the world around them and how they portray their self in it. People who have been physical abused tend to have lower self-esteem. Studies have show that children who are physically abused are more likely to commit more violent crimes (Starr & Wolfe, 1991). This shows a strong connection between abuse and delinquency. Looking at those who have gotten into trouble often see themselves to be bad, worthless, and deserving punishment (Kamsner & McCabe, 2000). Having low self-esteem effect the way people perceive themselves and how they project their feelings. Poor emotional adjustment causes complications later in life dealing with things like social processing. A person who is physically abused reacts in society differently then others. The way a person interact socially molds the way society accepts and works with them. Teisl and Cicchetti (2008) study showed that children who are maltreated are more aggressive and disruptive them those who are not maltreated. People develop the basis how is it appropriate to act in society at a young age. When trauma takes place, like physical abuse, it disrupts the process. Some research done on students in high school has shown that the abuse had lower effectiveness. This may mean that the students are able to develop effective coping skills or that the full effects have not yet emerged (Kamsner & McCabe, 2000). It was made known

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