Child Abuse

The most recent national figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) indicate that in Australia, during 2009-10, there were 286,437 reports of suspected child abuse and neglect made to state and territory authorities. In addition to the obvious effects of child abuse (physical injury and stress-related physical ailments) victims of emotional, physical, sexual, and verbal abuse experience psychological damage that can last a lifetime.

Among other consequences, the results of abuse may include;
aggressive or disruptive behavior,
depression,
anxiety or fears,

nightmares,
passive or withdrawn behavior,
poor self-image,
self-destructive or self-abusive behavior,
suicidal thoughts;
problems at school,
child is easily startled

If left untreated, the effects of child abuse are destructive and life-long.

Play therapy and child counselling can assist in restoring the child's trust and self esteem, and facilitate healing and growth.

Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse

Adult survivors of childhood abuse often don’t seek therapy simply due to how facing the history of abuse makes them feel. Therapists often see clients who have histories of abuse, who now present with issues such as eating disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders and more. It is important to help the client deal with both the abuse itself as well as the psychological problems that have developed as a result of the abuse.  Depending on the severity of the abuse, individual counselling or even group therapy can take some time to work through. Invariably, the objective of repairing long term  damage which permeates every aspect of the client's life is complex, and there may be physical responses to the client that can't just be "counselled" away. Medication can be useful for the symptoms of depression, anxiety and other reactions to abuse.  Medication should not be used without counselling at some stage to deal with the root of the problem. At some point, given the nature of how abuse can impact on the ability to trust, the person may need to undergo couples or relationship counselling.  For children, play therapy and family therapy can be helpful.

Compared with people without a history of childhood abuse, adults with a history of childhood abuse are more likely to have: A partner with: a substance abuse problem; Anxiety disorders; Chronic head, face or pelvic pain; Eating disorders; Musculoskeletal complaints; Depression; Gastrointestinal distress or symptoms; Asthma or other respiratory ailments; Obesity, Eating disorders; Insomnia; Panic; Sexual dysfunction; Substance abuse; Suicidal ideation or behavior; Pseudo-neurologic symptoms (dizziness, etc.); Unintended pregnancy; Self-injury.
 

Childhood abuse effects more people than you would imagine, and with caring and confidential counselling, it is amazing how free people can feel in time.