Introductory Chapter: The Impact of Abuse and Neglect on a Developing Child

1. Introduction

In the United States alone, the nation loses an average of five children a day to child abuse and neglect [1]. Child abuse and neglect are egregious public health problems and result in adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The impact of child abuse and neglect on a child can affect health and development, socio-economic opportunity, and overall well-being [2, 3]. Child abuse and neglect is usually performed by a parent, caregiver, or someone in a custodial role of a child younger than 18 years of age. Statistics show that children living in poverty are more likely to be at risk of abuse and neglect [1, 3]. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), children from low socio-economic status are five times more likely to suffer abuse and neglect [1, 2, 3, 4].

According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are four common types of abuse and neglect:

• Physical abuse is the intentional use of physical force that can result in physical injury. Examples include hitting, kicking, shaking, burning, or other shows of force against a child.

• Sexual abuse involves pressuring or forcing a child to engage in sexual acts. It includes behaviors such as fondling, penetration, and exposing a child to other sexual activities.

• Emotional abuse refers to behaviors that harm a child’s self-worth or emotional well-being. Examples include name-calling, shaming, rejecting, withholding love, and threatening.

• Neglect is the failure to meet a child’s basic physical and emotional needs. These needs include housing, food, clothing, education, access to medical care, and having feelings validated and appropriately responded to [1].

Children who have been maltreated are at serious risk of psychiatric issues [5, 6]. They are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and even attachment disorders. The trauma of abuse and neglect sets a child on a downward spiral of behavioral issues that impact current and future relationships. These relationships cannot overcome trauma-induced ACEs without therapeutic intervention [5, 6]. Children who have suffered abuse and neglect are more likely to bring rage and violence in their relationships. These children are at increased risk for being victimized in future relationships, or anesthetize the pain of the ACE through substance abuse.

Another precarious outcome of child abuse and neglect is the dynamic of delayed brain development and lower educational attainment. These challenges precipitate chronic unemployment, non-completion of high school, poor social conditions, and diminished quality of life issues [7]. Overall, individuals who suffered from abuse and neglect and reported six or more ACEs had an average life expectancy two decades shorter than their counterparts who reported none.

2. Case vignettes

The following cases illustrate the impact of abuse and neglect. These cases bring to light how critical affirming and loving parents are to their children’s development. Child abuse and neglect destroy affirmation and lead a child on the perilous pathway’ of self-destructive behaviors.

3. Anna: a case of emotional abandonment

Anna’s mother was a long-term heroin addict from the time Anna was three. Anna’s mother was a single parent who did not work and spent whatever money she received for the government on heroin and alcohol. Anna’s mother was emotionally absent from Anna for 5 years. The only respite Anna had was school. But according to her teachers, Anna was sullen, withdrawn and would rarely participate in class. She was recommended for home-based treatment.

Her mom entered rehab, although reluctantly, and she and Anna participated in play therapy with their social worker to strengthen their attachment. It took over a year of continued treatment (twice a week) to help Anna’s mother be able to affirm Anna and love her unconditionally. During this time, Anna, now 8.5 years old, was able to see her mom differently and engage more in school. They remained in treatment for another 3 years when Anna was in middle school where she received a mentor from Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

4. Kevin: a victim of sexual abuse

Kevin was a 13-year-old adolescent when he was provided therapeutic services for sexually abusing his younger sister. He and his sister were repeatedly raped by their father, who often sold them to strange men for sex and money for drugs. The trauma of the sexual abuse was akin to soul murder, a term derived by theorist Herman Daldin. Kevin lacked empathy and during his teen years began to abuse young girls.

After a stint in juvenile detention, he was arrested again for rape and sodomy. This time he was charged as an adult. During the time he was in prison, he never took advantage of the sexual predator treatment that was provided. Kevin has never healed from the abuse he suffered as a child. He has never recovered from the trauma and relived the abuse by preying on young girls.

5. Conclusion

Preventing child abuse and neglect takes a concerted effort to protect children and educate parents and officials on the preventable outcomes of this scourge. First, families need financial security. When families have stable employment and income, they are less likely to feel the pain of financial hardship. In addition, parents who are at-risk of presenting as abusive or neglectful can benefit from mentoring from a successful parent. Not only would the parent receiving mentoring learn coping strategies to deal with parenting their child, they would also receive support to enhance their parenting skills to promote healthy child development [5]. Overall, strategies must be put in place to expand treatment for children who are victims of abuse and neglect. Because child abuse and neglect are commonplace, we must work to keep children safe.

This book will provide perspectives and research findings on the current status of child abuse and neglect, with special interest being given to children from marginalized communities. Each chapter will articulate ways to prevent child abuse and neglect and improve conditions for at-risk children.