Physical abuse is any intentional act of aggression or violence committed by one person against another that causes bodily harm. Physical abuse can be punching, kicking, biting, choking, shaking, burning, and beating.
In some instances, the severity of the abuse can be severe enough to cause death or lasting harm (such as traumatic brain injury). It is most frequently seen in relationships of trust, especially those between parents and children or between intimate partners (such as in a marriage); in fact, violence against women and children in these types of relationships is acknowledged as a significant public health problem, even though few successful interventions to lessen its occurrence have yet to be developed.
Physically abused people frequently feel powerless and alone. They are more likely to develop a variety of pathological ailments as a result, including depression, eating disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, and drug misuse issues. There is a lot of debate over whether routine physical punishments like spanking, which are neither vicious nor intended to cause injury, should be viewed as physical abuse. Research indicates that spanking is related with worse, not better, conduct, even though parents and other caregivers frequently employ physical punishment to assist their children or improve their behavior. Additionally, it has been associated with poor academic performance, self-esteem issues, parent-child conflict, and mental health issues.
Any physical punishment might result in emotional damage. Even in the name of discipline, parental measures that inflict suffering, bodily harm, or mental trauma may constitute child abuse. Nonetheless, we’ll focus on the probable causes of physical abuse for the time being as we develop a more sophisticated understanding of these concerns.
The following elements may make someone more likely to become abusive:
A background of abuse or neglect when they were children
Illnesses of the body or the mind, such as depression or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Family crises or stress, such as single parenting or domestic abuse and other marital issues
A physically or developmentally handicapped kid residing in the household
Stress over money, unemployment, or poverty
Isolation from extended or social family
Poor knowledge of parenting techniques and child development
Misuse of drugs, alcohol, or other substances
One of the psychological traits associated with physical abusers is their need for unconditional submission and their lack of empathy for individuals they perceive to be weak or inferior, which may be connected to the causes of physical abuse. Power and control are the common reasons for physical abuse.
Physical abuse can have mental repercussions that last long after any outward scars have healed. Children who have experienced physical abuse as a youngster could experience more difficulties at home, in school, and in socializing with other kids.
Following are a few psychological and emotional consequences of child physical abuse:
A low sense of self
Excessive anxiousness and dread
Disorders of eating
An incapacity to pay attention (including ADHD)
Animosity against others, including friends and relatives
Depression
Apathy and sluggishness
Aggression
Sleep problems include insomnia and excessive drowsiness
Many mistreated kids could be wary of people. Children who have experienced long-term abuse may have trouble with fundamental social skills and finding natural ways to express themselves as other kids do.
A child who has experienced abuse needs particular care and attention as soon as possible. The likelihood that the youngster will fully heal decreases the longer they are abused or allowed to handle the matter independently.
Contact a pediatrician or a nearby child protection agency immediately if you suspect physical abuse. The pediatrician can identify and treat medical conditions or injuries, suggest a therapist, and provide investigators with the necessary information.
The safety of the kid is the main priority in any abuse situation. They must be in a secure setting away from the threat of further abuse.
Importance of Professional Counseling: A friend or family member may listen to you, but they aren’t professionally, technically qualified or experienced to offer you professional advice. If you wish you can contact us at MindTribe to receive help from our team of expert psychologists.
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About the Author.
Siddhant Kumar is a counselor at MindTribe.in. You can learn more about him by clicking here
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MindTribe.in, the Founders, or management team.
Acknowledgement: All images used are open source and from Unsplash.