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Courtney Cole
Professor Campbell
0824 November 2015
UWRT 1103-H
Black and Blue: The Cycle of Child Abuse
Bumps and bruises turn to emotional scars, emotional scars turn to horrid memories, and
horrid memories become a harsh reality. These feelings take over the places that should be filled
with Saturday morning cartoons, kids movies, games, and childhood innocence and joy. Child
abuse has the power to disrupt, dismantle, and destroy the life of a young child. It has the power
to cripple the mind, body, and spirit, sucking away their joy, playfulness, and curiosity. It infects
them with depression, anxiety, and relationship issuesto name a few. Individuals that should be
protecting the children are instead attacking them physically, emotionally, verbally, and even
sexually. There are such instances when the victim grows up and abuses others due to
dissociation and the inability to cope with their past traumatic experiences. In this instance the
cycle of abuse ensues and the lingering effects of child abuse run wild, as the victim becomes the
victimizer instead of the survivor. Men and women are both prone to certain instances of child
abuse; however, it has been shown that more women are likely to be sexually abused as a child,
which can later affect the relationship between herself as a mother and her child. I would like to
explore the cycle of abuse including its misconceptions, truths, and the lingering effects of child
abuse that plague individuals into adulthood.
At an early age we learn the idea of cause and effect. One thing happens which then
causes another and so forth. In this case, the effect is trauma and a cycle of abuse that can linger
on into adulthood, but what about the cause? Before moving forward, it is important to dissect

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the causechild abuse. Child abuse in essence is any form of physical abuse including but not
limited to sexual mistreatment of a child. Child abuse can also be verbal, but all forms do leave
the emotional damage that can plague a child for many years to come. According to the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services statistics for 2006, approximately 905,000 U.S.
children were found to have been victimized that year (Babbel). Im no data collector or
statistics guru, but that number is outrageously high and should not even be existent. The same
article, The Lingering Trauma of Child Abuse, by Susanne Babbel also goes on to say that
roughly 16 percent of those children were physically abused with the remainder either being
sexual abuse or neglect. Most children are expected to live and lead happy lifestyles, going to
school, being involved, and making new friendsthe last thing that they should be worried
about is the maltreatment from another individual. In most instances, the perpetrator of the abuse
is a family member, family friend, or other individual that has familiar ties with the child. In
television shows and movies we often see a young child being abused by a parent or in some
cases a distant relative like an uncle or aunt. It could all start as a slightly raised voice, followed
by physical abuse (not to be confused with corporal punishment); in any instantinstance, it seems
as if the child is made to think that it is their fault as the abuse ensues. Its important to note that
when it comes to gender, there are no exceptions. Im sure many people think males are the main
perpetrators or that females may be the only victims; however both genders are equally likely to
be on either side of the spectrum, it is just a matter orof what incidents are reported. Child abuse
is often a repetitive sequence of violence,; normally the perpetrator will strike multiple times but
even if its only once, the violent behavior consequently leads to detrimental effects down the
road.

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At this point, Im sure youre wondering how could an adult ever abuse a child? While
theres no exact answer for that, there are some theories that tie in to the cause of this situation.
Interestingly, I have found in the article A Gene For Violence? that there is a gene related to
violent behavior. Combinations of the MAOA (Monoamine Oxidose A) gene and the CDH13
(Cadherin) genes have been found to explain the ideology behind violent behavior in individuals
(Deans). Predominately, the MAOA genes plays a major part in violent behavior and has been
pronounced the warrior gene. ItAccording to Emily Deans, it has been said that the low
amount of enzymes compared to the large amount of neurotransmitters including dopamine,
epinephrine, and norepinephrine lead to lower levels of depression but increased likelihood for
violent behavior (Deans). With that being said, it is likely that the perpetrators of child abuse
may have some history of the warrior gene in their family or may have inherited it themselves.
For example, John may have a history of violent behavior in his family and it just so happens
that John himself is a violent person and perpetrator of child abuse on his own child; it is likely
at this point to assume that the erratic and violent behavior in the cycle of abuse is caused by the
genetic code for violence. This same article further goes on to clear additional assumptions about
the genetic code in relation to violence. It will never be accurate to say that there is a particular
gene for violence or any other specific behavior (, writes Deans).. With that being said, we
must recognize that violent behavior varies per individual and while for some it may be genetic,
circumstance and environmental factors motivate others. In contrast to John mentioned earlier,
James may be violent and aggressive towards his child due to his failing marriage and stress on
the job. He would choose to physically harm his child as a therapeutic measure because in this
case the child is helpless and cannot defend himself in the same way that an adult could. James
behavior in this instance would not be influenced by his genetics but his circumstances and

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inability to cope with them. In the end, there is no definite cause for child abuse because the
situation varies on a case-by-case basis; however, the effects of child abuse on the victim and the
cycle that follows have similar correlations.
A childhood lead by hopes, dreams, and childish desires become becomes a childhood
replaced by the damaging and lingering effects of child abuse,; childhood bliss and games are
terrorized by a harsh hand and foul words,; happiness, joy, and creativity are shadowed by
compulsive behaviors, post traumatic stress disorder, and depression. One of the major effects of
child abuse includes the development of PTSD, which is the instance when a child remembers
traumatic events that occurred in the past. According to the American Academy of Child and
Adolescent Psychiatry, some symptoms of PTSD include: frequent memories or talk of
traumatic events, extreme emotional reactions, irritability, anger, and/or violence (Babbel). In
addition to this, the child can experience severe forms of anxiety, grief, self-blame, and guilt
(ASCA). Children that should be enjoying their childhood are at this point helpless and left to
cope with the traumatic experiences of the past. Symptoms like depression and PTSD can and
will affect the day-to-day activities of the child. Depression could lead to nervousness, extreme
sadness, thoughts of suicide, and guilt. With PTSD, they will constantly be reflecting on the one
time so-and-so hit them or so-and-so molested them. The memories of school plays, after school
activities and friendship are replaced with nightmares of bruises, hard knocks, and negative
encounters with the individual(s) they thought they could trust. The severity of the long term
impact of the abuse is dependent upon the following factors: abuse that started early, long
lasinglasting abuse, relationship and closeness between the victim and perpetrator, harmful
impact, and abuse that occurred in an emotionally cold atmosphere (Goleman). Its important to
note that during this stage following the abuse where therapy could be implemented could be a

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turning point when the victim overcomes the abuse and becomes a survivor versus. In contrast to
one that is unable to accept the harsh realities of their past and remains a victim or unfortunately
become a perpetrator later on in life, thus leading to the cycle of abuse.
Now we know that some children who experience child abuse overcome their struggle
and become survivors; however, there are some who for some reason go from being victims to
victimizers. With that beingThat said, I must ask: why do some children that were abused grow
up and abuse others? There must be some level of disconnect between those thatwho survive and
those thatwho victimize. A study conducted in 1989 found that roughly one-third of individuals
thatwho have been abused as children will grow up and abuse other people (Goleman). It can be
assumed that children who were abused would grow up and abuse others more than those who
were not abused and then abuse other people; however, it has also been found that parents who
were abused and abuse others are more likely to be reported for abuse than parents who were not
abused as children but currently abuse their children, (Krisch see (fig 1) (Krisch). Aside from the
assumptions that abused children always become abusive parents, it is important to recognize
that a cycle of abuse does exist in certain circumstances. Going back to trauma and recovery, at a
young age and also depending on the circumstances surrounding their situation, the child
experiences trauma induced repetitions due to PTSD. Due to their inability to overcome the
trauma of the past coupled with the repetitive and harsh reminders of PTSD, these children
reenact their victimization experiences in play and in their relationships with others (, writes
Arthur Green (1334). As sated earlier, in contrast to the individuals that overcome their child
abuse experiences, these children at some point during the period following the abuse, are unable
to fully grasp what has happened to them, and then inflict their experiences on another person.
Green mentions the idea of dissociation as it relates to the cycle of abuse, dissociation

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obliterates the memory link between the parents own childhood abuse and the maltreatment they
inflict on their child. Whether the child has attended therapy or not could play an active role in
their recovery, how they accepted the helpful information, and the relationship they had and still
have with their abuser play a vital role in how they deal with their experience. For instance, if
Tom is abused by his uncle that spends considerable time with the family Tom will still have to
see his uncle which then creates a distaste for him. Over the years depending on how long the
abuse occurred, and Toms attendance in therapy or counseling will affect his future relationships
with others, especially his family. As stated earlier, child abuse negatively affects the
relationships that children and later adults have with those around them. TheyAbused children
develop a distrust for others and can shut themselves out from the world around them while at
the same time being engulfed by the emotions and traumatic experiences of their past. Because
of dissociation they are unable to distinguish their past from their present reality and
consequently abuse those around them, thus creating the cycle of abuse. In addition, victims of
abuse have been lead to abuse others because of abuse denial ,, which is an instance when a
victim that was abused as a child does not associate their experience as abuse nor consider
themselves a victim (Goleman). If the adult does not associate the physical abuse as child abuse
but rather as punishment, they may inflict the same treatment on their own child or younger
family member. They could be in denial as a form of defense or victim blaming instructed by the
perpetrator. At this point the cycle of abuse begins because the victim becomes the perpetrator
and the differences between the survivor and the eternal victim come to light.
DATA
Abused Parent
Average Parent

PHYSICAL ABUSE
6.9%
5.4%

SEXUAL ABUSE
7.7%
3.4%

FIGURE 1

NEGLECT
18%
9.5%

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Krisch, Joshua A. New Research Questions Cycle of Child Abuse. Vocativ. Vocativ, 26 Mar.
2015. Web. 13 Oct. 2015.
Child sexual abuse as an extension of child abuse also has the power to ruin the parent
-child relationship, particularly the mother-child relationship. Child sexual abuse can be defined
as the sexual mistreatment and molestation of a young individual who cannot give consent.
According to an article by Melissa and Joshua Hall, 28 to 33% of women and 12 to 18% of men
were victims of childhood or adolescent sexual abuse (Roland et. al in Hall and Hall). With that
beingThat said, I am going to explore the effects of CSA (child sexual abuse) on women as they
progress into adulthood and the negative effects it has on the relationship with their child. CSA
as a young female can lead to prolonged post-partum depression and dysthymic depression
amongst women as they experience motherhood (Duncan #).267). Post-partum depression is
typically an occurrence for most new mothers; however, this extent of post-partum depression
coupled with PTSD from their past experiences equalscan equal dysthymic depression.
Motherhood can already be a full time endeavor that causes stress and weariness, but with the
addition of trauma from CSA, motherhood reaches new heights as it either becomes too
burdensome to bear or could result in some form of mistreatment towards her own child either
purposely or inadvertently. For example the 2009 movie Precious based on the novel Push
focuses on the sexual abuse of teenager Precious from both her father and her mother. Its
unclear if her mother was sexually abused as a child; however; she allows the father to molest
Precious at first unknowingly and later purposely. In addition, she herself also abused Precious
both physically and sexually. The mother-child relationship here is destroyed; however, Precious
breaks the cycle by being an exceptional mother to her children and not abusing them. In
contrast, CSA can cause a mother to become distant, hostile, passive, withdrawn, and

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preoccupied furthermore, because. Because of this, they are preoccupied with their past
experiences they are unable to effectively care for their child or tend to the relationships with
those closest to them (Duncan 268). Because of the mothers situation, this takes away from the
infant development, how. How can the child develop to their full potential if mommy is suffering
from depression, guilt, anxiety, and PTSD.? Its not that they do it on purpose,; some mothers
may be too afraid to care for a young child. They probably think how can I care for this young
person if I cant mend myself? More importantly, if they are experiencing self-blame and guilt
they may feel as though they are not capable of being a caregiver or the nurturing figure that a
mother should be.
Unfortunately the cycle of abuse may not stop with the child; there are instances when
the mother becomes re-victimized in the event they end up in an abusive relationship during their
adult years. It is possible that because of feelings of worthlessness, doubt, and self-blame they
feel as though they dont recognize theyre in a useless relationship until its too late. In addition,
a confusion of trust can affect the mother and the child if she is in a relationship with a
perpetrator when they begin trusting the wrong people or not trusting the right people (Duncan
269). At this point the mother either unintentionally allows her child to be abused by her partner,
intentionally allows her partner to abuse her child, or either mistreats her child primarily in the
form of neglect because she doesnt have a solid relationship with those around her. If she
doesnt trust her family and friends she may not have an outlet for her pain and trauma thus
neglecting her child or repeating the abuse that happened to her. Similarly if she places her trust
in the wrong hands, her child is then lost in the cycle of abuse. Sexual abuse has the power and
direction to lead a promising mother into the cycle of abuse as she loses her nurturing mentality
to one of fear, grief, and anxiety.

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Initially I was curious as to why certain victims of child abuse grow up and abuse others.
I found afterwards that an underwhelming percentage of individuals continue the cycle of abuse.
It is believed that mainly adult victims of child abuse are the main perpetrators later on in life;
however, they are just more likely to be reported and referenced to in the cycle of abuse. From
there I examined the strain abuse has on relationships, recovery, and parenting. There is no
definite answer or reason as to why certain individuals become victimizers instead of survivors.
Its important to realize that people overcome their struggles and adversity in different ways and
that the cycle of abuse isnt infinite and that the generational episodes of abuse like a series will
have a finale as the victim overcomes his/her trials and suffering and becomes a survivor.