Review Article: The Impact of Child Abuse and Neglect: A Comprehensive Scholarly Analysis

Abstract

Objective: This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive scholarly overview of child abuse and neglect (CAN) by delineating its definitions, global prevalence, etiological factors, multifaceted consequences, and essential prevention and intervention strategies.

Methods: A narrative review and synthesis of current literature, including global epidemiological reports (e.g., WHO), seminal studies (e.g., the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study), and meta-analyses on the etiology and outcomes of child maltreatment.

Results:

• Definitions & Prevalence:CAN is classified into physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, and neglect. It is a global epidemic, with an estimated 1 billion children affected and significant prevalence disparities across regions.
• Etiology:Risk factors operate within an ecological framework, including individual (e.g., parental history of ACEs), relational (e.g., family violence), and societal levels (e.g., cultural norms supporting violence).
• Consequences:CAN leads to profound, lifelong impacts. These include long-term physical health disease (e.g., heart disease, cancer), psychological disorders (e.g., depression, PTSD), behavioral problems, and neurobiological alterations in brain development.
• Prevention: Effective strategy requires a multi-tiered public health approach: primary (universal awareness, parenting education), secondary (targeted support for at-risk families), and tertiary prevention (trauma-focused therapy to mitigate harm).

Conclusion: Child abuse and neglect inflict severe, long-lasting damage on individuals and societies. Addressing this complex crisis necessitates a concerted, multi-sectoral effort grounded in evidence-based prevention, early identification, and trauma-informed intervention to break the intergenerational cycle of violence and promote child well-being globally.