Emotional effects of abuse on children

Makena Mugendi · Post by **Makena Mugendi** » 05 Apr 2018, 05:39

Yes. The effects of abuse in children are many and varied, and they may last until adulthood. I was recently in a Childhood Trauma seminar and it was very informative. People are never the same after abuse. It just hits differently. But you are definitely right on that.

FilmStar · Post by **FilmStar** » 05 Apr 2018, 12:46

I feel like we don't see how Natalie's siblings feel about Alex and the abuse towards the family. I mean, there's one scene where Robyn tries to protect Natalie but other than that, I wouldn't be able to predict how Natalie's siblings would be in the future as a result of Alex's abuse.

KLafser · Post by **KLafser** » 05 Apr 2018, 12:50

Tbunde5 wrote: ↑01 Apr 2018, 21:55 While Natalie is the central figure of the book, I found it fascinating to see the interactions of all the children. Robyn, who wets the bed; Shirley, who has a vicious mean streak; and Natalie, trying to hold them all together. Do you think the author gives an honest portrayal of the effects of abuse in children?

Yes, in that abuse affects everyone differently. Robyn's behavior seems to stimulate Shirley; Natalie's protective response took Shirley to a completely new level. Shirley not only has a mean streak but seems to be sadistic. And Shirley's actions and responses seemed to further encourage Alex. The responses, or lack thereof, of the other family members (for example, other than once, there are no repercussions for Shirley's behavior) add an element of realism as well.

Aubrey Lewis · Post by **Aubrey Lewis** » 06 Apr 2018, 05:37

I think it does portray the emotional effects of abuse on children quite well. Some people have different reactions to particular events, and the cases shown in the book are a few examples of what's happening in reality.

shraddharm · Post by **shraddharm** » 06 Apr 2018, 05:43

BDTheresa wrote: ↑02 Apr 2018, 02:50 Yes she did give an honest portrayal of the effects of abuse in children. Aldo all families are not the same, all situations are not the same so therefore all outcome can't be the same.

I would totally agree with you on this. Every child has different environment and family background. Also their mind-set lead to them overcoming their problems in their own way. So the author gave nice description on the effects of abuse on children.

Post by **Vickie Noel** » 06 Apr 2018, 05:57

Children are individual personalities and each person's genetic makeup is different. Thus, they are all prone to handling things in different manners. The world isn't just all cupcakes and rainbows and a situation that is capable of destroying one person can be the reason another pushes through. I think the author did a good job in highlighting that fact.

Post by **Clinical1** » 06 Apr 2018, 08:59

I believe that these abused children are portrayed accurately. I am lucky not to have first hand knowledge of this, but this pattern and portrayal is used over again in books, television and in movies. I have also heard that when abuse is suspected, these behaviors are the ones they ask about.

zilizopita1998 · Post by **zilizopita1998** » 06 Apr 2018, 09:04

BDTheresa wrote: ↑02 Apr 2018, 02:50 Yes she did give an honest portrayal of the effects of abuse in children. Aldo all families are not the same, all situations are not the same so therefore all outcome can't be the same.

In life, there must be diversity.

zilizopita1998 · Post by **zilizopita1998** » 06 Apr 2018, 09:06

lesler wrote: ↑02 Apr 2018, 14:21 The author does give an accurate portrayal of the effects of child abuse to the child. There is no specific way it affects each individual person, so there's no right or wrong way.

Now to mean one's opinion is the best in this story.

zilizopita1998 · Post by **zilizopita1998** » 06 Apr 2018, 09:07

SABRADLEY wrote: ↑04 Apr 2018, 09:21 I think the author addressed some realistic results of childhood abuse, but these are just the tips of the iceberg. There are countless indicators for abuse.

briellejee · Post by **briellejee** » 06 Apr 2018, 09:33

The effects of abuse on children were honestly portrayed by the author but it cannot speak for everybody who has been through it. I for one found it relatable but I have a different situation than NAtalie. almost the same though. i just want to say that emotionally abuse at such a young age scarred me and my mental health and self-esteem up until now. It's difficult especially when it comes from family

uyky · Post by **uyky** » 06 Apr 2018, 10:08

Every person, be it a child or adult, reacts to abuse differently. So yes, the author does give a good representation of the effects of child abuse.

Post by **Mr Benj** » 06 Apr 2018, 13:03

mmklundt wrote: ↑04 Apr 2018, 20:31 The effects of abuse on children is far reaching. The noticeable effects vary depending on the age of the child and the type of abuse. Nothing in this book seemed unusual or inappropriate to me.

Abuse of children is unusual and a serious criminal offence.!!!
Think about it.

Zain A Blade · Post by **Zain A Blade** » 06 Apr 2018, 13:38

I think the psychic state of all the children is reminiscent of abused children. Even Natalie's dating an older man points to the continued search for the love of a father that was absent or insufficient during a child's early life.

Sakilunamermaid · Post by **Sakilunamermaid** » 06 Apr 2018, 15:54

The author did a good job of showing some of the problems and the impact that abuse can cause in children. Its awful that children are harmed but it is important to show in literature why a child may misbehave or have certain problems due to how they are treated and their lack of control in such a situation.