Blue Ribbon for Child Abuse Awareness, Source flickr.com, Author Trauma And Dissociation Project (CC BY-SA 2.0 Generic)
Childhood abuse — whatever form it may take, including exposure to family violence — can have long-term effects ranging from anxiety, depression, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), to eating disorders and more [1A][2A][3A].
Shame and Suicide Risk
Our self-esteem is in tatters. The shame, itself, can be crippling — no matter how misplaced [4]. The risk of suicide is greatly increased [5A].
Physiological Effects
But not all effects are so obvious. Child abuse is, for instance, thought to contribute to such chronic health issues as heart disease, as well as such autoimmune disorders as type 1 diabetes, psoriasis, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, and rheumatoid arthritis [1B][2B][5B].
Relational Effects
It goes almost without saying that child abuse can negatively impact later relationships, and that it may lead to substance abuse [2C]. Childhood sexual abuse can result in promiscuity or sexual dysfunction [5C].
There is, also, a real risk of revictimization [5D].
Hope and Healing
The situation is not, however, hopeless. The brain is remarkably adaptable [3B]. With time, we gain new understanding and new skills. This makes healing from abuse possible.
God wants to replace our fear and pain with love and peace.
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14: 27).
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[1A and 1B] National Institutes of Health (NIH), “Multi-type Childhood Abuse, Strategies of Coping, and Psychological Adaptations in Young Adults” by Kristina Sesar et al, October 2010, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2969135/.
[2A, 2B, and 2C] Medical News Today, “What ways can childhood trauma affect people?” by Janet Brito PhD, 10/5/23, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/effects-of-childhood-trauma.
[3A and 3B] Psychology Today, “Surviving Childhood Trauma” by Gina Schneider PhD, 4/21/22, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/frazzlebrain/202204/surviving-childhood-trauma.
[4] Psychology Today, “Healing the Shame of Childhood Abuse Through Self-Compassion” by Beverly Engel LMFT, 1/15/15, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-compassion-chronicles/201501/healing-the-shame-of-childhood-abuse-through-self-compassion.
[5A through 5D] Psychology Today, “How to Cope Following Sexual Abuse” by Elizabeth Leglic PhD, 9/24/21, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/protecting-children-sexual-abuse/202109/how-cope-following-sexual-abuse.
Strategies for coping with child abuse will be discussed in Part 2
The Rose Garden — A Daughter’s Story
Will Be Serialized Here Beginning 8/18/24
FOR MORE OF MY ARTICLES ON POVERTY, POLITICS, AND MATTERS OF CONSCIENCE CHECK OUT MY BLOG A LAWYER’S PRAYERS AT: https://alawyersprayers.com
ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse 
Child abuse is devastating, I am a survivor, and have many of these symptoms, it is a lasting legacy. X
I, too, continue to bear the scars of abuse. That is why I started this blog. Too many abuse survivors struggle in silence and isolation.
Very important post, raising awareness.
Thank you, Dolly. The long-lasting effects of abuse are often overlooked. But we must not lose hope.
You are most welcome, dear Anna.
Eine sehr wichtige Nachricht. Vielen lieben Dank. LG M.
Du bist immer so nett zu mir, Marie. Bitte zwinge dich nicht, meine Blogs zu lesen oder zu kommentieren, wenn die Themen, über die ich schreibe, zu stressig für dich sind. Ich weiß, wie viel du in deinem eigenen Leben gelitten hast. LG, A. ❤
It is His love, His peace that heals, praise God!
So right, Dora. ❤
Like countless others, I too would be living a train wreck of a life had I not encountered the peace that passes all understanding.
There are strategies like counseling for coping w/ abuse. Ultimately, however, healing is through Christ.
Thank you, Anna, for this much needed hope. These links to the articles you posted are so helpful. Counseling is helpful to understand why we are the way we are but, like you said, the true healing only comes through Christ. Thank you for using your pain for His glory. Sending my love.
Oh, Mary. I cannot tell you how much your comment means to me. Your own life is an inspiration to me. May God watch over you.
Love,
A. ❤
You are so kind, Anna. Bless you.
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