Child abuse and neglect have been shown to cause important regions of the brain to
fail to form or grow properly, resulting in impaired development. These alterations
in brain maturation have long-term consequences for cognitive, language, and academic abilities and are connected with mental health disorders. The immediate emotional effects of abuse and neglect—isolation, fear, and an inability to trust—can translate into lifelong psychological consequences, including low self-esteem, depression, and relationship difficulties.  Nonetheless, children who experience neglect are more likely to develop antisocial traits as they grow up. Parental neglect is associated with borderline personality disorders. Several studies indicated that there is a significant correlation between child abuse and future juvenile delinquency.

A child being abused is the most effected by the situation he/she is going through. Children are the most vulnerable in our society, and at times parents, and caregivers take advantage of their weakness. Abuse affects the child’s mental health, and if it is ongoing, the child can grow up with depression and other mental health illnesses. Trauma caused by experiencing child abuse can have detrimental effects on the brain development. When someone is exposed to abuse at a young age, you might find that as they grow up they will most likely be insecure and have attachment/ interpersonal issues. Nonetheless other ways the child being abused is affected, is in their academic atmosphere. Children who are being abused tend to have lower educational achievement. Research suggests that there are many negative outcomes that are associated with child abuse, and one of the most important and significant outcome is self-harm or suicide. A child who is abused and neglected have a higher risk of suicidal ideation. Being abused changes your life, and if the person whom is being abused cannot seek the proper help, they will resort to other negative life choices that could ruin their lives.