Effects of child abuse
Child abuse and its effects are preventable. We can work together to stop abuse happening and support children who have been abused.
What are the effects of child abuse?
Abuse will effect children in different ways with some of the effects lasting a lifetime.
Common effects of child abuse can include:
- mental health problems, feeling anxious, depressed or becoming aggressive or withdrawn
- having difficulty sleeping, nightmares
- physical symptoms such as stomach aches or bed wetting
- reduction in school attainment, truancy
- inconsistent regulation of emotions
- using alcohol or drugs, criminal behaviour or self-harming
- struggling to maintain relationships
- poor performance in education
Adults who were abused as children may find it harder to cope with life's stresses, get a good job, or be a good parent
It doesn’t have to be this way. We can all play our part in preventing abuse. And we can all help a child who’s experienced abuse to get their life back on track.
Worried about a child?
You can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk
How we're working to support children
We help children to recover from abuse and get their lives back on track.
We equip parents and carers with the knowledge, skills and support they need to protect their children from abuse.
We run our helpline and Childline for any concerned adult or child to turn to for confidential support.
We teach children that abuse is never their fault, and they can always speak out and get help.
We stand up for children and demand that laws and rules need to change to protect them.
We are constantly striving to find the best ways to protect children and prevent abuse and share these with people who work with children – find out about our research on our website for professionals, NSPCC Learning.
