“Childhood Abuse Causes Permanent Brain Damage”

What behavior or attitude of a minor may indicate that he or she has been a victim? abuse?

It depends on the type and duration of the abuse, the age of the minor, and who was abused. The most common indicator is a change in behavior: changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping, sudden changes in mood, an urgent need not to be alone, reluctance to go to school for no apparent reason, the emergence of new fears, nightmares, avoidance of usual activities. what he usually likes, apathy, aggressiveness or “childish behavior”, which he no longer did, lack of concentration…

What are the consequences for a minor being a victim of violence?

As with the previous question, it all depends on the type of abuse, the age of the minor, the severity of the abuse and the duration. However, if we talk about the most common psychological consequences of a minor who has become a victim of violence, then we are talking about the destruction of self-esteem, feelings of loneliness and abandonment, anxiety, depression, autolytic and destructive behavior, thoughts of suicide, aggression. , identity disorders, violence, lack of self-control, attachment disorders… Changes occur in the structure and functioning of the immature brain (the brain that is developing), always depending on the age of the minor, the frequency and intensity of the abuse. The damage is permanent.

Could it permanently change your personality?

Yes, yes, you can. At the brain level, children exposed to violence undergo irreversible changes. Physiological and neurobiological changes occur that can cause changes at all levels.

Could there be consequences that show up over the years?

Yes, in adulthood, a minor may develop mental disorders: depression, anxiety, increased likelihood of suicide attempts, attachment disorders with peers, family and partners. Antisocial and criminal behavior, mood changes, anger, guilt may develop…

In case of domestic violence (I mean, for example, cases sexual violence), abusers or rapists often emotionally blackmail children and young people into not revealing what they are doing to them. How can we work with minors to ensure that they break the silence and learn that what is happening to them is normal?

There are many ways to work with children to prevent violence. For prevention purposes, it is important to talk to children about what violence is, always using vocabulary adapted to their developmental age. There is a lot of material that can be used for this, such as stories and short stories that are accessible to everyone. Minors should know and recognize what is good and what is not, what is a good secret from a bad one. For example, in sexual abuse, a minor who knows how to recognize parts of his body without taboo, who knows that they belong to him and that no one can or should touch him without his consent because he has worked at it at home and at school . , is a minor, the more likely you are to be able to identify and report the harassment. Information is powerful, and that’s why we need to talk to minors about these issues on a preventive level.

Given the serious consequences of abuse, do you think it is better for professionals to report possible cases, even if they are not sure?

In my opinion, whenever there is an indication, it is necessary to notify or inquire what procedure should be performed. As adults caring for minors, no matter our situation, we always have a responsibility to protect them from any kind of violence.

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