The long-term consequences of child abuse and neglect (child maltreatment) can be profound and may endure long after the abuse or neglect occurs. Although not all forms of abuse and neglect may cause visible injuries, the consequences for children, families, and society can last through generations. Effects can appear in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood and may affect various aspects of an individual's development (e.g., physical, psychological, behavioral,) and have societal consequences.
- Behavioral health consequences of child abuse and neglect
- Impact of maltreatment: youth involved in the juvenile justice system
- Intergenerational cycle of child abuse and neglect
The Devastating Clinical Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect: Increased Disease Vulnerability and Poor Treatment Response in Mood Disorders
Lippard & Nemeroff (2019)
American Journal of Psychiatry, 177(1)
Explains some long-lasting consequences of child abuse and neglect, which include an increased risk for psychiatric and medical disorders, including mood disorders.
Long Term Effects of Child Abuse and Neglect
Padilla (2021)
Prevent Child Abuse America
Details how stress and trauma from child abuse and neglect can change a child’s brain chemistry, resulting in longer term adverse outcomes.
Long-Term Effects of Child Abuse & Neglect
Lack (2020)
End CAN
Summarizes how child abuse and neglect can cause toxic stress, which can have negative effects on physical and mental health for a lifetime.
Toxic Stress and Children’s Outcomes
Morsy & Rothstein (2019)
Economic Policy Institute
Describes how poor, Black children are at greater risk for negative outcomes due to toxic stress in childhood and suggests policy and practice recommendations to mitigate this harm.