What are some other consequences of child maltrealtment?
A. The effects of child abuse and neglect can be devastating. There is a growing body of evidence that the experience of abuse and neglect inhibits a child’s healthy psychological, emotional, cognitive and social development and can impair adult functioning. Children who have been abused and neglected, as they get older, are more likely to perform poorly in school; to commit crimes, and experience emotional problems, sexual problems and alcohol/substance abuse. Research indicates that adult women who have experienced physical or sexual abuse as children show exaggerated levels of stress hormones. This persistent change in the body increases the risk of psychopathological conditions. While negative effects of abuse and neglect can be reversed, it requires timely identification of the maltreatment and appropriate intervention.
