As children learn through observation, play, and other means, they grow and adapt to the environment around them, developing an understanding of society, themselves as individuals, and laying a foundation for their adult life. Every child will experience positive and negative interactions, from which they learn and grow. However, one type of experience that can have a negative long-term impact on their development and future is child abuse.
Child abuse is not as uncommon as we may think and is not always physical in form. In Canada, 32% of adults have reported that they have experienced some form of abuse before the age of 16, whether it is neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or just exposure to intimate partner violence. All of these can have a lasting impact on a child’s mental and physical health, especially if there is no intervention or healing from their trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder, diseases, trouble maintaining healthy relationships, and a lack of stable employment are just some ways victims of child abuse can be impacted in their adult life.
The way a child may react to abuse differs from child to child. Regardless of whether child abuse manifests in a physical form or not, it can cause trauma, affecting the child’s cognitive, physical, mental and emotional development. Every child’s brain responds to an incident of stress, abuse or trauma differently. For instance, if the child has many resources available to her, like a supportive network of family and friends, the brain may be more resilient against the lasting effects of the abuse they have experienced or witnessed, compared to a child who doesn’t have access to resources or a supportive network. Without any positive catalyst, the trauma endured by the brain can affect them in the present and can lead to unknown consequences in their adult lives.
Child abuse is not as uncommon as we may think and is not always physical in form. In Canada, 32% of adults have reported that they have experienced some form of abuse before the age of 16, whether it is neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or just exposure to intimate partner violence. All of these can have a lasting impact on a child’s mental and physical health, especially if there is no intervention or healing from their trauma.
In addition to experiencing abuse, witnessing the abuse of a parent or guardian can also have a significant impact on a child’s development. One of the changes that becomes visible is the detachment from home and school – places where they receive primary care, and which are normally considered a source of safety for children. They start feeling unsafe in those environments, impacting their academic performance and interactions with adults and peers. Some children end up normalizing such behaviour, becoming more likely to act similarly with their peers, leading to bullying and physical violence. If the child is not supported and the trauma is left untreated, then the vicious cycle continues, one that might result in the child getting into an abusive relationship in their adult years or becoming abusive themselves.
Overall, whether a child is abused or witnesses abuse, the effects can drastically impact their growth, their view of the world and their interactions with others, as well as their personal relationships. They need to heal in order to regain their trust, build meaningful relationships, and thrive.
In order to provide that healing, it’s important to look for and recognize warning signs of abuse and neglect. Some of the signs to look out for are:
- Malnutrition
- Withdrawn behaviour
- Unexplained injuries (bruises/marks)
- Overly aggressive
- No desire to go home/runs away from home
- Consistently dirty
- Consistently tired
- Habitual stealing (food or money)
- Sleep problems
- Difficulty walking/sitting
By creating a safe space, the child might be more inclined to talk about their trauma, which takes a lot of courage. When this occurs, it is important to validate and support the child with their needs. This may not seem life-changing, but for a child who has gone through the trauma of abuse, providing them with a safe space can lay a foundation for a better future.
Nisa Homes helps provides that safe space to children who come to the Homes seeking refuge from abuse. Approximately 50% of the residents in our homes are children – most of which have either witnessed or experienced abuse.
With your support, we can continue to provide a safe space for women and children to heal from their traumas and have hope for a better tomorrow. Donate today at nisahomes.com/donate
