In almost all cases, the psychological consequences of an act define that act as abusive. However, rarely, if ever, does a child experience physical abuse or neglect, or sexual assault of exploitation in a relationship that is positive and nurturing. Indeed, even to pose the matter in such terms seems ridiculous. Whereas children can absorb and overcome the experience of physical assault and sexual misuse if they are psychologically strengthened, they rarely do so if they are psychologically mistreated as part of the experience. These are basic threats to human development.
Psychological maltreatment is the core issue in the broader picture of abuse and neglect.
It provides the unifying theme and is the critical aspect in the overwhelming majority of what appear as physical and sexual maltreatment cases. Whereas children can absorb and overcome the experience of physical assault and sexual misuse if they are psychologically strengthened, they rarely do so if they are psychologically mistreated as part of the experience. Mounting evidence on the beneficial impact of treating sexual abuse victims seems to verify this proposition. We pierce the ears of little girls. We expose young athletes to elevated risks of physical harm.