While much of the work to determine the impact of abuse and neglect is based on the testimonies of survivors, more recent studies have focused specifically on the effect of maltreatment by studying children. Research on neurological impairment uncovered a significant incidence of neurological damage as a result of head injuries associated with abuse. 8 A Cornell study designed to explore the academic and social adjustment of school-aged children found significant differences in school performance between maltreated children and a control group of children who had not been abused or neglected. While there is no single group of behaviors that is characteristic of abused children, the presence of socioemotional problems in many maltreated children is well documented. The consequences of the abuse will vary with the developmental level of the child, the duration and intensity of abuse, and the quality of the subsequent home environment and community support.
Some studies report behavior that is either passive and withdrawn or very active and aggressive.
Their review further suggests that many of the effects of sexual abuse continue into adulthood. 15 Caregiving professionals play a major role in nurturing young children's development and in ensuring their future school success.