Facing Demons: Physical Abuse & the Effects on Children

Physical abuse is a serious form of child abuse that involves the intentional use of force against a child, resulting in physical injury or harm. It can take many forms, including hitting, shaking, throwing, burning, or choking. Physical abuse can have serious short-term and long-term consequences for children. In 2019 there were nearly 700,000 reported cases of child abuse and 15% (105,000) of those were physical abuse.

According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, The majority of children who are physically abused do not tell anyone about the abuse due to fear of the abuser, fear of not being believed or fear of being blamed. Even more heartbreaking, in 82% of physical abuse cases, a parent is the perpetrator. It’s incredibly important to be aware of the signs and warnings of physical abuse so that you can take action to protect children and get them the help they need.

Here are the top signs and warnings of child physical abuse:

1. Physical injuries: One of the most obvious signs of physical abuse is the presence of physical injuries, such as bruises, cuts, or burns. These injuries may be in the shape of objects, such as belts or cords, and may be found on the face, chest, back, or buttocks. Children may also have injuries that are not visible, such as broken bones or internal injuries.
2. Injuries that don’t match the explanation: Children who are being physically abused may have injuries that don’t match the explanation given by the caregiver. For example, a child may have bruises on their face and the caregiver may claim that they fell, but the pattern and location of the bruises suggest that they were caused by something else.
3. Repeated injuries: Children who are being physically abused may have repeated injuries, or injuries that seem to occur too frequently to be accidental. This could be a sign that the child is being abused on a regular basis.
4. Fear of the caregiver: Children who are being physically abused may be afraid of the caregiver and may try to avoid them or show fear when they are around. They may also be hesitant to speak up or ask for help.
5. Changes in behavior: Children who are being physically abused may exhibit significant changes in their behavior or demeanor. They may become withdrawn, anxious, or depressed, and may have trouble sleeping or eating. They may also have low self-esteem and may be afraid to speak up or ask for help.

Physical Abuse Happens in the Home

Physical abuse can occur anywhere, but it most commonly takes place in the home. Children may be physically abused by a caregiver, parent, or other family member, or by someone outside the family who has access to the child, such as a babysitter or coach.

Children may also be at risk of physical abuse in other settings, such as in schools or childcare facilities, or in institutions such as foster homes or group homes. In these cases, the abuser may be a staff member or other adult who has authority over the child.

Long-Term Effects of Child Physical Abuse

Physical abuse can have serious and long-lasting effects on children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The specific effects of physical abuse can vary depending on the severity of the abuse, the age of the child, and the child’s individual characteristics. Some of the long-term effects of child physical abuse may include:

1. Physical injuries: Physical abuse can cause serious physical injuries, including bruises, cuts, broken bones, and internal injuries. These injuries can result in pain, disability, and long-term health problems, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
2. Developmental delays: Physical abuse can affect a child’s physical and cognitive development, leading to delays in physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
3. Behavioral problems: Children who have been physically abused may exhibit a range of behavioral problems, including aggression, defiance, and difficulty controlling emotions, according to the CDC. They may also have difficulty trusting others and may have difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships.
4. Mental health problems: Children who have been physically abused are at increased risk of developing mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to the World Health Organization. They may also be more likely to engage in self-harming behaviors or to have thoughts of suicide.
5. Health problems later in life: Children who have been physically abused may be at increased risk of developing health problems later in life, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. They may also be more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as smoking, substance abuse, and risky sexual behavior, which can further increase their risk of health problems.

It’s important to remember that these are just a few of the long-term effects of child physical abuse.

Sobering Stats on Child Physical Abuse

1. In 2019, approximately 679,000 children in the United States were victims of child abuse or neglect, according to the Children’s Bureau of the Department of Health and Human Services.
2. Of those, approximately 15% were victims of physical abuse, according to the Children’s Bureau.
3. The majority of children who were victims of physical abuse (81.1%) were abused by their mother or father, according to the Children’s Bureau.
4. Boys are more likely to be victims of physical abuse than girls, according to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
5. Children under the age of 3 are at the greatest risk of physical abuse, according to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
6. The most common form of physical abuse is hitting or beating, according to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
7. Physical abuse can have serious short-term and long-term consequences for children, including physical injuries, developmental delays, and behavioral problems, according to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
8. Physical abuse can also have serious long-term consequences for adults, including increased risk of substance abuse, mental health problems, and relationship difficulties, according to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
9. The most common reasons children do not disclose abuse are fear of the abuser, fear of not being believed, and fear of being blamed, according to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
10. Parents who abuse their children are more likely to have experienced abuse as children themselves, according to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
11. Parental substance abuse, mental illness, and stress are all risk factors for child physical abuse, according to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
12. Physical abuse is often accompanied by other forms of abuse, such as emotional abuse and neglect, according to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
13. Early intervention and treatment can help reduce the long-term consequences of physical abuse for children, according to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.

What to do if you suspect physical child abuse

If you suspect that a child is suffering from physical abuse, it’s important to take action to protect the child and get them the help they need. Here are some steps you can take if you suspect a child is suffering from physical abuse:

1. Report your concerns: If you suspect that a child is being physically abused, it’s important to report your concerns to the appropriate authorities. In the United States, you can report suspected child abuse to the National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD) or to your local child protective services agency.
2. Offer support: If you know a child who is suffering from physical abuse, you can offer your support and encourage them to seek help. You can also offer to be a safe and supportive person for the child to talk to.
3. Educate yourself: Learning about the signs and effects of child physical abuse can help you recognize when a child may be in danger and take action to protect them.
4. Help create a safe environment: If you know a child who is being physically abused, you can help create a safe environment for them by offering a safe place for them to go, such as your home, and by helping them access resources and support.
5. Support the child’s healing process: If a child has been physically abused, it’s important to support their healing process. This can involve seeking professional help, such as therapy, and helping the child to feel safe and supported.

Remember, if you suspect that a child is being physically abused, it’s important to take action and report your concerns to the appropriate authorities. By doing so, you can help protect the child and get them the help they need.