Consequences of child abuse and neglect

Abstract

The aim of this article is to present a review of the research surrounding the short-term and long-term psychological and health consequences of child abuse and neglect. Research papers related to the consequences of child abuse and neglect and published in leading academic journals were identified and reviewed. We found that most of the available research suggests that there is a variety of negative outcomes among those exposed to physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect, witnessing domestic violence and multi-type childhood abuse. Specifically, there was evidence of significant short-term and long-term consequences encompassing physical and mental health difficulties, subsequent perpetrations, social and cognitive difficulties, and attachment. Conclusion – The results of this review confirm that there is a wide range of short-term and long-term difficulties that are associated with child abuse and neglect. This variety of difficulties should be taken into account in approaching complex and multidisciplinary assessment and treatment.