Child Abuse and its impact on Mental Health

Abstract

Child abuse is a widespread and complex issue which happens to affect millions of children worldwide. The environment of family, bonds between parent-child, and parenting methods have high level of impact on children's mental health and personality. However, some parents knowingly or unknowingly end up hurting their children, which results in affecting them negatively creating an unstable personality and mindset. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that six out of 10 children of 5years below or above undergo physical and psychological violence. Child abuse leads to outcome of lifelong mental instability and disconnection with people, also physical harm includes impaired immune and nervous system development.  Children who go through intense physical abuse often experience psychological health problems, including headaches, cancer, heart disease, and substance abuse. Long-term consequences include mental and physical health problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and heart disease. Addressing child abuse in any society requires cooperation from society, government and institutions so we can avoid and alleviate its destructive effects