The traumatic effects of child abuse.

Child abuse is deliberate harm or maltreatment of a child by a person, who may be their parents, relative, guardian, teacher, or even a child themselves. Child abuse can take place in homes, schools, organizations, and communities. It includes all forms of physical, sexual, psychological or emotional ill-treatment.

The effects of child abuse are likely to cause harm to a child's safety, well-being, dignity, and development. 

Physical abuse involves the use of violent physical force to cause any physical injury or suffering to a child.

Emotional or psychological abuse includes humiliating and degrading treatments, such as name calling, constant criticism, belittling, persistent shaming, solitary confinement, and isolation. Sexual abuse includes all forms of sexual violence including incest, early and forced marriage, rape, involvement in pornography, and sexual slavery. Child sexual abuse also includes indecent touching or exposure, using sexually explicit language towards a child and showing children pornographic material or sexual abuse on the internet.

Child abuse takes place across different countries, societies, castes, religions, etc.

There is a need to empower children of all ages to fight back against sexual advances. This is one of the core purposes of NGOs like Save the Children.

Studies have shown that the victims of child abuse go on to face multiple problems, caused by the trauma of their assault. The effects of child abuse include:

• Intolerable distress in the absence of the caregiver

• Insecurity and increased need for attention characterized by clinging and compliance or defiance

• Inability to express emotion and communicate feelings

• Increased aggression due to the inability to recognize suppressed emotions

• Shutting down first and then experiencing trauma in case of recurrence of the incident or an incident that is reminiscent of it

• Confusion, disorientation, and dissociation when faced with stressful situations

• Social isolation due to distrust, suspicion, and lack of intimacy with others

• Poor self-esteem

• Trouble paying attention
  
• Likelihood of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), separation anxiety disorder, phobic disorders, oppositional defiant disorder. Hatred for self and blaming oneself for the events that ensued

• Substance abuse, violent behavior, eating disorders, sexual disorders, and suicidal tendencies

NGOs like Save the Children have been working tirelessly to uphold the rights of children worldwide. We have been the voice of children in instances of child abuse and exploitation. As of late, the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences Act (2012) and Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act have been given more power when it comes to fighting child rights violation.

There has been an increased number of cases filed, due to increased awareness about legal recourse. This has translated into an increase in a number of convictions. There is also a greater awareness of the effects of child abuse.

Save the Children is one of India’s most trusted NGOs campaigning for child rights. We partner with various corporate organizations and government bodies to positively impact the lives of all over the world. Save the children has changed the lives of over 10 million children in India since 2008. We have been fortunate enough to continue our endeavors with the support of around 20 institutions,36 corporations, and 1,73,000 individual supporters.