And these are only the reported incidents - many more are unreported and undetected, often because children are afraid to tell. When mistreatment becomes abuse, children are injured, neglected, and emotionally damaged. Approximately 1,000 to 1,300 U.S. children are known to die as a result of physical abuse, and those who survive suffer emotional trauma that lasts long after the bruises have healed. Some studies report that in the United States, as many as one out of every eight boys and one out of every four girls is sexually abused before turning 18 years old. Whatever the statistics, one thing we know is that child abuse is too frequent and too often hidden.
Emotional abuse can be just as damaging.
The effects can last a lifetime, stripping a child of self-esteem and affecting his relationships, happiness, and success. All information on KidsHealth is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.