Which abuse is the most common?

Content/Trigger Warning: Please be advised that the article below might mention trauma-related topics that include types of abuse & violence that could be triggering.

What is abuse?

There are many different forms of abuse in our world.  When we think of abuse, we generally think of maltreatment to others, either with domestic violence or the abuse of a child.  It can also mean the abuse of power, rank, information, and many more, which are used to gain some benefit improperly.  For this question, we will be talking about abuse in contexts of neglect, sexual, psychological, and physical abuse. Research shows abuse happens to 1 in 7 children, and it could be even more due to many not being reported.

More about the four main types of abuse and which is most common?

Physical abuse is the most visible form of abuse as far as bruises and marks left on the individual.  It is more commonly done to children, but adults and the elderly also experience it.  Those that experience physical abuse at a young age will be at risk of developing interpersonal problems, an increased risk of substance abuse, and other emotional needs.  Sexual abuse is when a perpetrator performs as if the person performs a sexual act on them without consent.  It can also happen when a person is sexually involved with a minor when they are the age of majority.  The effects of sexual abuse are long-reaching as well, just like that of physical abuse.  Psychological abuse is more of a hidden one and is very damaging. It can be done in different ways, such as bullying, gaslighting, and other emotional ways to damage the individual. It can happen in homes, schools, and the workplace in overt ways.  Depression, anxiety, and panic attacks are associated with psychological abuse. Neglect is the last of the four main types of abuse and is the most common form.  Neglect can include not providing proper supervision for children, like leaving a 2-year-old home alone.  It can mean not providing for children’s or elderly adults' needs.  Not feeding them or providing shelter to them.  It can mean not meeting any medical needs the individual has.  It can lead to the most long-lasting effects on the individual because, as humans, we need connections, and depriving someone can be very damaging. Signs of neglect could be a child that is hungry and searching for food in trash cans.  It can look like a student that comes to class wearing the same clothes that are dirty every day.  Knowing the symptoms of any of the four types of abuse is necessary to help stop the abuse from happening.