Sometimes the war zone is nearer than you think. It’s not in a foreign country, not in another land, but right at home where it manifests as the physical abuse of children.

Each child who experiences abuse or neglect will have their own unique response. Whatever that response, however, what is certain is that the scars from early childhood trauma shape a person’s life well into adulthood, and the consequences, which often require therapy, may last a lifetime.

When abuse comes from parents or a primary caregiver, the effects are even more devastating. It obliterates trust and negatively impacts that child’s view of the world. After all, these adults are supposed to be the primary source of safety, security, love, understanding, and nurturance.

PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ABUSE

A physically abused child may experience one or more of the following: hitting, shaking, choking, biting, kicking, punching, burning, suffocating, or being held under water. The physical injuries such as bruising, cuts or burns will eventually heal, and the pain will subside, but the emotional wounds may never heal. It is difficult for a young brain to process the hardships inflicted on them by those responsible for providing them with a safe environment; children are not equipped psychologically to deal with abuse, and as a result may develop low self-esteem, which may advance to depression and anxiety. The abuse may also lead to drug abuse, promiscuity, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and even suicide.

Physically, the nervous systems of abused children are always on a constant high because they are always anticipating danger. Hence, their bodies are flooded with stress hormones which can be detrimental to their health. Later on in life, their nervous systems can be triggered to high alert by circumstances which may not actually be harmful.

Incidentally, studies show that female victims of child physical abuse are much more likely than males to develop PTSD.

It is important to note that parents do not usually hit or abuse their children because they hate them. Often, it is a repetition of events that have taken place in their own lives. It is a vicious cycle ingrained in our culture. It is, however, incumbent on the relevant authorities to reeducate parents about more effective ways of disciplining our children. This is not an easy task as it occurs in every facet of society, but it must begin somewhere and at some point. We need to make better use of social media, online resources, news media, schools, churches etc, and as educators, we must spend time talking to our students about abuse.

MAJOR PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF CHILD PHYSICAL ABUSE

• Poor memory

• Eating disorders

• Lack of focus

• Excessive aggression

• Depression

• Apathy and lethargy

• Persistent fear

• Sleep issues which include insomnia, excessive sleepiness or sleep apnoea.

• Increased potential for that child to become an abuser as a parent.

• Mental illness

The longer the duration of physical abuse, the more serious the consequences.

In some cases, survivors of abuse may experience ‘traumatic amnesia’. This simply refers to memories that are so painful for kids that they are completely blocked from memory. These memories may be ‘recovered’ later in life due to some other trauma or trigger. The memories and effects never truly go away.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

In addition to the physical and psychological effects, abuse from a loved and trusted adult will have devastating effects on a child’s learning outcomes. Neuroscience has discovered that trauma affects brain development, self-regulation and the capacity to focus. Performance at school may therefore provide critical clues to the presence of abuse. For example, if it is observed that a previously good student suddenly starts to fail or perform poorly, investigations should be done.

It is standard practice for students to be punished for poor behaviour in school. It is my opinion that no child is born ‘bad’, and most behaviour issues stem from an underlying problem which must be explored. Educators must always strive to uplift, encourage and empower their students to feel worthy and to have a voice. School should be seen as a safe place.

Teachers should make it easy for students to approach them and should not discount disclosures made. It is their duty to take these matters seriously and to take action. Always be sensitive to the safety of students. There should be clear policies about how abuse or suspicion of abuse is addressed, both legally and discreetly.

Again, abuse should be talked about more in schools, churches and communities. Survivors should share their experiences so that children know that they are not alone and become empowered to speak up.

Dr Karla Hylton is the author of Yes! You Can Help Your Child Achieve Academic Success and Complete Chemistry for Caribbean High Schools. She operates Bio & Chem Tutoring, which specialises in secondary level biology and chemistry. Reach her at (876) 564-1347, biochemtutor100@gmail.com or khylton.com.