Children who are abused are at greater risk of becoming abusive or abused adults

Children who have been abused are more likely to grow up to become abusers themselves, or to become victims of more abuse. This is called the cycle of abuse and is one of the main reasons that violence and abuse continue to be a problem in South Africa.

Sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect, and emotional abuse and neglect can play a part in influencing how people behave as adults.

Even emotional abuse and neglect can have serious consequences. Children who experience verbal abuse can suffer much the same effects as children who have been physically abused.

Men who are violent towards women are more likely to have been abused as children

Men who were abused as children are 5 times more likely to be violent towards women. This is because:

• They may begin to use abuse and violence against others in their own personal relationships because this is all they knew growing up; it is normal to them.
• They may use violence against their partner because they do not know how to positively manage difficulties in their relationship.

Women who have been abused as children are more likely to experience further abuse as adults

Women who are raped before they turn 18 are 2 times more likely to be raped again as adults. People who have abused as children can become vulnerable to further abuse because:

• Childhood abuse can give children the message that their needs are not important. As adults they may then have problems drawing healthy boundaries with others, leaving them vulnerable to abusive partners.
• Low self-esteem or low self-worth are possible consequences of childhood abuse. These feelings could lead to the person to becoming involved with, and staying with, people who mistreat them.
• People who have been abused as children can have difficulties identifying people who are trustworthy.

The Different Kinds of Child Abuse

There are different kinds of child abuse. One or more kinds of child abuse often happen at the same time, for example, a child who is being physically neglected will probably also suffer from emotional neglect. The different forms of child abuse are:

Physical abuse: Is any physical harm done to a child or teenager, including punching; shaking; kicking; hitting; slapping; pinching; and biting, that causes: marks; cuts; bruises; fractures; burns and internal injuries.

Physical neglect: Is when a parent or caregiver does not give a child basic care and protection, including food, clothing, a safe, clean living environment, education and medical care.

Sexual abuse: Child sexual abuse is any sexual activity that happens between an adult and a child. Child sexual abuse can also be perpetrated by children against other children. Child sexual abuse also includes non-touching activities like: showing a child pornography; purposely exposing an adult's genitals to a child; encouraging a child to watch or hear sexual acts; and inappropriately watching a child undress or use the bathroom.

Emotional abuse and neglect: Is when a child or teenager is regularly belittled, humiliated and ridiculed, for example through name calling. Emotional neglect is when parents or caregivers repeatedly fail to provide the child with proper support, care, attention and affection.

How to Tell if a Child is Being Abused

The table below lists warning signs of abuse that teachers, parents, caregivers and family and community members can be aware of in children and teenagers.
It is important to remember that there may be other reasons for a physical injury or problem, or a change in behaviour that may not be caused by abuse. But if you notice that your child, or a child you know, is showing a combination of warning signs then you should reach out for help.

For help please call Childline free of charge on 08 000 55 555

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