Welcome back to the TCFC podcast. It is common knowledge that children who are abused or maltreated frequently have long-lasting effects as a result of the trauma they suffered. There are many physical, psychological, behavioral, and even societal implications of child abuse. The immediate result of child abuse is usually physical, both in terms of their wounds, but also potential brain damage from violent abuse. Mistreatment can lead to stunted brain growth, which can then lead to psychological issues immediately, or later in life. However, many studies have found that child abuse has been linked to a higher rate of diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, back problems, vision problems, and more (40). 

Psychological issues that stem from child abuse include poor cognitive skills, depression, low self-esteem, and attachment issues. Children who grew up in these situations have a higher prevalence of suicide attempts than those who did not. Additionally, those adults who do suffer from major depression have lower positive outcomes with antidepressants. Children of abuse are more likely to develop antisocial tendencies, which can lead to criminal behavior (40). 

Other studies show “that abused or neglected children are more likely to engage in sexual risk-taking as they reach adolescence” including a higher number of sexual partners and having sex in exchange for money or other material items. There is a higher prevalence of chemical dependency in adults who were maltreated as a child, particularly alcoholism. Of course, children of abuse are also more likely to also abuse their own children, although these numbers are not as high as previously believed. However, a study from the early 2010s showed that 26% of inmates incarcerated for murder had been subjected to child abuse, and an additional study showed that of 43 death row inmates, 36 had been sexually or physically abused, 37 were neglected, and 31 witnessed domestic violence growing up (40, 41). 

Despite the large numbers of violent offenders who were abused as children, the number of child abuse victims who do not resort to violence as adults is far greater – these children had broken the cycle of abuse (40, 41). Unfortunately, today’s perpetrator was not able to break the cycle of violence, destroying a family as a result. Okay…onto the show.

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This episode was researched by Haley Gray, and written by Suzy St. John. 

Content Editing by Brittney Martinez

Produced by Neeks at WeTalkofDreams – check him out on Twitter @wtod or wetalkofdreams.com