Different Types Of Child Abuse And Their Possible Effects

Medically reviewed by Paige Henry, LMSW, J.D.
Updated October 17, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team
Please be advised, the below article might mention trauma-related topics that include suicide, substance use, or abuse which could be triggering to the reader.
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Abuse can differ depending on context. However, the United Nations states that most abuse is a pattern of behavior used to gain or maintain power and control over another individual. Anyone can exhibit abusive behavior toward another person, including family, caregivers, friends, partners, or strangers. However, abuse often occurs in close relationships. 

Children, teens, and adults can all experience the adverse impacts of abusive behavior. To understand how abuse can make an impact, it may be beneficial to understand the different types and how they can impact an individual. 

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Recovering from abuse?

Physical abuse

The definition of physical abuse covers intentional acts of aggression that may cause injury or trauma to someone else. Being hit, kicked, or otherwise injured by someone in your life can all be forms of physical abuse. Many survivors may have trouble stopping physical abuse, even if it's noticed and reported by a mediator.

Such abuse can feel overwhelming and be physically damaging, not only to the physical well-being of a person but to their spirit and mental wellness as well. In addition, physical abuse doesn't have to be extensive or constant. Even if it happens only once, it can have long-term impacts. If you're experiencing physical abuse, contact a hotline for support and resources. You're not alone, and staying in the relationship where the abuse occurs can be dangerous.  

Symptoms of physical abuse 

As with many forms of abuse, survivor accounts are personal and individual. While there can be warning signs or symptoms of physical abuse, no one survivor may experience it in the same way. Understanding this range can help validate survivor experiences. 

Warning signs of physical abuse may include: 

  • Unexplained bruises, broken bones, or other injuries
  • Burns or scratches
  • Secretive or secluded behavior 
  • Withdrawn or sullen disposition 
  • Aggression or outbursts of anger 
  • Fear of being touched 

There may also be other signs, such as a sudden change of behavior in the survivor or inconsistencies in their appearance. For example, a person might be seen wearing clothes that seem inappropriate for the climate, such as long shirts in the middle of summer, in an effort to hide the injuries. Alternatively, some individuals may act more outgoing to hide the abuse or as a defense mechanism to combat the possible experience of internal conflict and stress.

Emotional abuse

Emotional and psychological abuse can be more subtle than physical abuse, resulting in the survivor feeling sad, worthless, or inferior to their peers. Survivors may have difficulty explaining this type of abuse or understanding what it is, as many people aren't educated on the impacts of emotional abuse or don't believe it can occur to them.  

The definition of emotional abuse

The formal definition of emotional abuse can be complicated. Many sources agree that emotional abuse entails one person subjecting another to any behavior or treatment that can result in psychological trauma. If someone uses their language, behavior, or influence to have power or control over you, they might be acting abusively. When these behaviors are repeated and intentional, they may be considered psychological or emotional abuse.

Signs of emotional abuse  

  • Self-conscious and withdrawn behavior 
  • Difficulty controlling emotions 
  • Isolating from friends and family 
  • Age regressing behaviors 
  • Anxiety or depression 
  • Gastrointestinal upset 
  • Headaches or chronic pain 
  • Frequent sicknesses, such as colds or the flu 
  • Apathetic or numb behavior or emotional expression 
  • Spending all of their time with the person acting abusively 

Due to the nature of abuse, there can be many ways that a survivor might act. If you suspect someone you love is experiencing emotional abuse, consider contacting them to check in on them, offering resources if they are interested.  

Sexual abuse

If you are experiencing sexual abuse or have experienced assault, note that the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) has a hotline dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing sexual assault, harassment, or intimate partner violence. You can contact them anytime by calling 800-656-HOPE (4673) or using the online chat. 

Any undesired sexual behavior directed from one person to another may be considered sexual abuse. Sexual abuse can start anytime and may occur as early as the first few months of life or continue into adulthood. This type of abuse may build up from behaviors like someone providing extra attention to another person or being extremely involved in their lives. 

However, these actions and patterns can become a type of "grooming" that the person may use to prepare the survivor for a future escalation of the abuse. Grooming, attention, gifts, or involvement can turn into touching or other sexual acts. As a result, the survivor may feel they invited the behavior, and the person acting abusively may tell them it is their fault. They might use this shame to ask the survivor to stay quiet about what they've experienced. Sexual abuse can present differently in children and adult survivors. 

Signs of sexual abuse in children

  • Overt sexual behavior that seems out of place for their age
  • Increased withdrawal from social interactions 
  • Sudden regression or age-inappropriate behaviors
  • Extreme feelings of anger or sadness
  • Extreme clinginess or feelings of nervousness when separated from adults 
  • Sudden mood or personality changes
  • Unexplained fears of certain people, places, stimuli, or situations 
  • Bruising or chafing in the genital area

Signs of sexual abuse in adults

Signs that an adult is being sexually abused may include: 

  • Pelvic or groin discomfort that can be chronic or acute 
  • Symptoms or manifestations of anxiety or depressive disorders 
  • Development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 
  • Eating disorders 
  • Disturbances of arousal, orgasm, or desire with sexual partners 
  • Hypersexuality 
  • Shame or fear about one's own body 
  • Avoidance of people, places, or situations that remind them of the abuse 
  • Mood swings or a striking change in mood 
  • Social withdrawal 

Child neglect

The definition of child neglect can vary from state to state on a legal level. However, neglect may occur when caregivers are not providing the resources to meet a child's needs, whether they include adequate food, supervision, emotional support, or educational support. 

Types of abuse and neglect

  • Physical Neglect: Not providing nourishing food or shelter, leaving a child alone for days or weeks, or locking a child in their room
  • Medical Neglect: Denying a child adequate healthcare or mental healthcare 
  • Inadequate Supervision: Long periods without supervision where a child is not capable of caring for themselves or exposed to safety hazards like loaded guns or unsanitary living conditions
  • Environmental Neglect: A lack of environmental safety 
  • Emotional Neglect: Isolation, a lack of affection, emotional abuse, or a lack of love 
  • Educational Neglect: Ignoring special educational needs, not enrolling a child in school or homeschooling them, or refusing to support a child's academic growth

Rates of child neglect vs. different types of child abuse

Rates of child neglect are higher than other types of abuse and can impact all areas of a child's development. The chance for neglect can be higher in families experiencing marital problems, intimate partner violence, single parenthood, or financial issues. Having support and a social community may be helpful in these cases.

What to do if you suspect child abuse

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If you believe a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect, you may contact the appropriate human services to report it. Each state has different reporting numbers; you can find your state's information through the Child Welfare Information Gateway. The website provides information that can guide you through the reporting process. 

Reporting suspected abuse can pave the way for an investigation to ensure children are in a safe environment, with all their needs being met. Ensure you only report serious and concerning cases and don't report people out of a desire to get revenge on them. Keeping the system full of real cases can ensure children can quickly get the support they need. 

The Children's Bureau helps fund investigations and follow-up treatment to help prevent future abuse and neglect.

Who to call when you suspect child abuse and neglect

If you believe a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect, you may contact the appropriate human services to report it. Each state has different reporting numbers, and you can find your state’s information here. The Child Welfare Information Gateway provides information that can help to guide you through the reporting process. Doing this can pave the way for an investigation to help ensure children are in a safe environment, with all their needs being met. 

Resources for adult survivors of abuse

Survivors of abuse as adults have resources they can use to self-report or to report on someone’s behalf based on the nature of the abuse. You may use: 

  • The Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: Dial 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) 
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline: Dial 1-800-656-4673

How can online therapy help survivors of abuse? 

If you've experienced any type of abuse as a child or an adult and you feel as though it's affecting your life, you may consider using therapeutic services. Licensed therapists and counselors can provide alternative solutions and resources for survivors at every stage of the healing process, offering a listening ear to empower and validate survivor experiences. 

However, as a survivor, you may find it difficult to open up to someone new in an unfamiliar environment or space. You may also have difficulty leaving the house and traveling to different locations. 

Online therapy can provide you with resources that are able to be obtained from the comfort of your home or any other safe space. You can also reach out to your therapist at any time using in-app messaging for more difficult moments or experiences you may encounter, which you may not be able to do with in-person therapy solutions.  

Is online therapy effective for survivors of abuse? 

Scientific literature suggests that online therapy can be helpful for those surviving and recovering from any form of abuse. A recent study published in Internet Interventions found that participants of the test group who had experienced trauma and abuse did find success using an online therapy format, suggesting that this type of delivery method could be helpful in environments with limited reach and therapeutic resources. 

Finding support through online therapy

You may consider therapy if you've experienced any type of abuse as a child or an adult and feel it's affecting your life. Licensed therapists and counselors can provide alternative solutions and resources for survivors at every stage of the healing process, offering a listening ear to empower and validate survivor experiences. 

As a survivor, you may find opening up to someone new in an unfamiliar environment or space difficult. You may also have difficulty leaving the house and traveling to different locations. In these cases, online therapy can be beneficial. Online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may provide you with resources you can obtain from the comfort of your home or any place with an internet connection. You can also reach out to your therapist anytime using in-app messaging, which you may be unable to do with in-person therapists. 

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Recovering from abuse?

Scientific literature suggests that online therapy can be helpful for those surviving and recovering from abuse. A recent study published in Internet Interventions found that participants of the test group who had experienced trauma and abuse found success using an online therapy format, similar to the results from in-person therapy studies. Other studies have found online therapy more cost-effective, which may benefit those who lack resources after surviving abuse. 

Takeaway

Abuse is often traumatizing and overwhelming and can impact anyone at any stage of development. Its effects on an individual can last for a lifetime and can look different for each person. If you've experienced or witnessed abuse, seeking professional support from a licensed therapist might benefit you. Whether online or in person, therapy can lead you to coping skills to address what you've experienced and connect you with further beneficial resources. You're not alone, and compassionate professionals are available.
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