CHILD VIOLENCE: AN ANALYSIS OF PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, AND SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES

Abstract

Child violence is a problem affecting millions of children worldwide, with serious physical, emotional, and social consequences. It can occur within the family, at school, in the community, or in other social settings, taking different forms such as physical aggression, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, or even neglect. In many cases, these acts become culturally normalized, making them difficult to address. From a physical standpoint, children may present visible marks such as bruises, burns, and fractures, but there are also invisible damages, such as those caused by toxic stress, which can compromise brain development and lead to long-term health problems. Emotional effects manifest as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, difficulty trusting others, and even more serious disorders like PTSD. In the social sphere, violence interferes with school performance, family and community relationships, and can lead to isolation or even the repetition of the cycle of violence in adulthood. This study, based on a literature review, sought to analyze these consequences between the years 2018 and 2025. It concludes that child abuse is a social and public health challenge, requiring preventive actions, protection policies, and the joint work of different professionals to guarantee children's rights.