Preventing Painful Futures: A Policy-Focused Study on Reducing Child Abuse and its Long-Term Effects in Nigeria

Abstract

Child abuse remains a pervasive social issue that profoundly impacts individuals and communities globally, leaving lasting scars that often extend into adulthood. The long-term effects of abuse are multifaceted, influencing survivors' psychological health, emotional well-being, and social relationships. This paper explores these enduring consequences by examining various forms of abuse: physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect and their detrimental outcomes, such as mental health disorders, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships.