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Home > Child Abuse & Neglect > Impact > Long-Term Consequences of Abuse and Neglect

Long-Term Consequences of Abuse and Neglect

The long-term consequences of child abuse and neglect (child maltreatment) can be profound and may endure long after the abuse or neglect occurs. Effects can appear in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood, and may affect various aspects of an individual's development (e.g., physical, cognitive, psychological, and behavioral).

These effects range in consequence from minor physical injuries, low self-esteem, attention disorders, and poor peer relations to severe brain damage, violent behavior, and death. However, while maltreated children are at greater risk for these negative effects, many children are resilient in the face of adversity.

 

 

Selected Resources

Long-Term Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect
Series Title: Factsheet
Author(s): Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability: View Publication
Printable Version (PDF - 190 KB)
Year Published: 2008 - 8 pages
The harmful effects of child abuse and neglect vary depending on a number of factors, including the circumstances, personal characteristics of the child, and the child?s environment. In many cases, child abuse and neglect have consequences for children, families, and society that last lifetimes. This factsheet provides an overview of some of the most common physical, psychological, behavioral, and societal consequences of child abuse and neglect, including findings from research supported by the Federal Government.

What Are the Consequences of Neglect?
Child Welfare Information Gateway (2001)
In In Focus: Acts of Omission: An Overview of Child Neglect
An overview of the causes and consequences of child neglect.

The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study
Presents research findings from a 10-year scientific study analyzing the relationship between multiple categories of childhood trauma and health and behavioral outcomes later in life.

 

 

Related Information Gateway Topics

Child abuse & neglect: Impact by type of maltreatment
Child abuse & neglect: Impact on child development
Child abuse & neglect: Risk & protective factors

 

 

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