Many children in the U.S. and around the world are abused each day.  Unfortunately, abused children often grow up to be abusers or perpetrators of crimes.  Jails and prisons are filled with inmates who have been victims of child abuse.  The psychological effects of child abuse can be damaging.  Some believe that the effects cannot be reversed.  Through counseling, a teen can learn coping skills to deal with anger and pain.

Types of Child Abuse

Emotional, neglect, physical, and sexual are the major types of child abuse.  Emotional abuse includes parents who constantly swear at their teens or tell them how worthless they are.  You are blamed for everything that is wrong in your parents lives.  Neglect means your basic needs of food, water, shelter, and clothing are not being met.  You may not receive medical attention and suffer from poor hygiene.  Love is also absent.  Physical abuse includes hitting, biting, hair pulling, punching, kicking, shaking, burns, or other unexplained injuries.  Sexual abuse means you are touched inappropriately by family, friends, teachers, or other adults.  You have a well developed knowledge of sexual issues at a very early age.

Psychological effects of child abuse include but are not limited to the following:

1.  Low self esteem
2.  Anger
3.  Timid -- uncertainty
4.  Using drugs and or alcohol
5.  No interests
6.  Aggressive and hostile behavior
7.  No interest in school; poor performance
8.  Experience difficult relationships with peers or the opposite sex
9.  No goals
10.  A sense of hopelessness
11.  Concentration problems
12.  Panic attacks
13.  Eating disorders

Organizations such as Prevent Child Abuse America has been focusing on child abuse since 1972.   According to their website, "...they provide education and inspire hope to everyone involved in the effort to prevent abuse and neglect of America's children."  To address the psychological effects of child abuse, you may want to contact the organization.

The National Child Abuse Hotline is 1-800-4-A-CHILD.  Childhelp is celebrating their 50th Anniversary in 2009.  They have programs such as prevention, outreach, hotline, advocacy centers, group home, foster care, and much more.  If you or someone you know is being abused, tell them about Childhelp.  They can address the psychological effects of child abuse and help save teens who are in pain right now.

How to Handle the Psychological effects of Child Abuse

Abused children need good care and emotional support from family; they should not feel lonely or helpless.  A parent can create an environment that is safe and supportive.  Consulting with a psychiatrist and or counselor can help you and your child deal with the psychological effects of child abuse.

Children are precious.  They are the future and require love, care, and attention.  Allow them to grow up within a positive, loving, and secure environment.  Having a positive outlook can ensure child abuse will no longer be an issue.  Please, help put an end to child abuse today!