The effects of violence on children can continue into adulthood

Don't underestimate the effects of violence on children. Physical and mental disorders, drug abuse, to a decrease in the quality of life they can experience until they are adults, not infrequently even for life. Violence against children can be in the form of physical violence, sexual violence, psychological, verbal, exploitation, trafficking of children, to neglect or neglect of their welfare. This is susceptible to occur at home, at school, or in the community. Based on data from the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection in 2016, there were 6,820 cases of violence against children in Indonesia. About 35% of them are sexual violence, in addition to physical violence (28%), psychological (23%), and child neglect (7%).

Negative Effects of Violence on Children

Child victims of violence not only have scars on their bodies, but also emotional wounds, deviant behavior, and decreased brain function. Here are some of the effects of violence on children:

• Emotions

For example, children become more often sad or angry, have trouble sleeping, have nightmares, have low self-confidence, want to hurt themselves, or even suicidal thoughts. They also become difficult to interact with others and tend to do dangerous actions.

• Decreased brain function

The effects of violence on children can also affect the structure and development of the brain, until a decline in brain function in certain parts. This has the potential to cause long-term effects, ranging from a decrease in academic achievement, to mental health disorders in adulthood.

• It's not easy to trust others

Child victims of violence experience a bad experience in the abuse of trust and a sense of security. When they grow up, they will find it hard to trust others.

• Difficult to maintain personal relationships

Experiences as victims of child abuse can make it difficult for them to trust others, are easily jealous, feel suspicious, or find it difficult to maintain long-term personal relationships because of fear. This condition risks making them feel lonely. Research shows, many victims of child abuse who have failed in fostering love and marriage relationships as adults.

• Have a higher risk of health problems

The effects of violence on children can also affect children's health and development. Victims of child abuse are at risk of experiencing higher health problems, both psychologically and physically, as they grow older.

Trauma due to violence in children can increase a person's risk of having asthma, depression, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, to the tendency to consume excessive alcohol and use drugs. A study noted the prevalence of suicide attempts is quite high in adults who have been victims of child abuse.

• Being a perpetrator of violence against children or other people

When child victims of violence become parents or caregivers, they risk doing the same thing to children. This cycle can continue if not getting the right treatment to deal with trauma.

In addition, there are also other risks from victims of violence on children when they grow up, such as depression, eating disorders, panic attacks, suicidal ideation, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and lower quality of life. Men who have experienced domestic violence in their childhood are also more at risk of experiencing depression after becoming a father later. No matter how long the traumatic experience has passed, the effects of violence on children will cause ongoing disruption if they are not properly treated. It is important for victims of child abuse to get help from a psychologist or psychiatrist to overcome their effects in the long run.