Ways of looking at and relating to the world are changed, and the community is affected seriously and economically as a result. Victims of child abuse often lose self esteem, are vulnerable to bullying, may be more likely to become involved in crime, behavioural problems, suicide and drug and alcohol abuse. The importance of the issue, in terms of the individual and society as a whole, does not appear to be reflected in the attention given to it by governments and by the media. Raising awareness and understanding of an issue is the first step towards addressing it. This is a community problem, but unless the community is aware of the problem, the extent of it and the fact that they could sometimes 'unwittingly' be contributing to it, the problem-solving process cannot begin.
Child abuse is a sensitive issue.
The general community don't really like talking about it and neither do they really have an awareness or understanding of its impact. It is therefore, not surprising that there is significant underestimation by the general community of the extent of the problem and what actually comprises child abuse.