Childhood abuse is a tragic situation. Those that survive it carry the memory of it with them for the rest of their lives. Growing up in a home with mental, physical or sexual abuse can destroy a child's life in many ways.

Here are some of the affects that childhood abuse has on us as adults:

Self-Esteem

Children who are abused often grow up with very low self-esteem. This creates an illusion for them. Looking in the mirror brings a cringe of disgust. You will often find them walking down the street with their heads hung as though they are ashamed of themselves. They have a hard time making decisions on the simplest things in fear they will ultimately make the wrong choices.

Low self-esteem is one of the most common affects of abuse. Even when a woman is exceptionally beautiful, she doesn't see herself that way. This comes from shame of what happened in her abusive home. The shame isn't hers to carry but she carries it anyway.

Fear of Relationships

This is another common affect of childhood abuse. It is difficult for an abuse survivor to maintain a good relationship. A man or woman may find many great relationships along the way. This is ultimately thrown away because the fear that something dreadful will happen is always in the back of the mind. This is also caused by feeling as though anything good that happens to him/her isn't deserved. Since children often feel that they must have done something to deserve the abuse, any good relationship will be viewed as an undeserved reward.

This may sound a little warped in thinking. It is in a way, just that. A child who has been abused has a warped view of reality because it is all he/she knows. It is very difficult to work past these issues and often causes the break up of otherwise good relationships as the abuse victim pushes away anyone that gets too close.

Mistrust

The inability to trust others is a direct result of some type of abuse as a child. How does a person trust anyone after being hurt by the person he/she should have been able to trust most in the world? It's an impossible feat. This leads to the inability to hold relationships together including good friendships. An adult who was abused as a child will find it very difficult to overcome trust issues.

Aiding Others

This shouldn't be left out of the picture. Many adults who were abused as children have become great advocates for those who are suffering currently from abuse in their homes. Those that take this stand have shown strength in overcoming their own issues in order to help those around them. Not everyone chooses to be looked at as a victim. These are survivors and they work hard to make a difference.

Childhood abuse should never happen. Children are innocent bystanders that get caught up in adults angry crossfire. The affects can have a lifelong detrimental affect on them. Laws are getting tougher and tougher on those that commit the crime. There is simply no good reason to do it. If you were a victim of child abuse, you are now a survivor of it. Be one of those that choose to overcome and help others through their situations. You are the better person.

Learn more about this author, Dawn Hawkins.
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