“My name is Noah. I’m 5 years old. Sometimes, my mom and dad get really mad, and they hit me. It hurts a lot, but I try not to cry because I don’t want them to be even more mad. They tell me that I have to be quiet and not tell anyone. They say if I tell, something bad will happen to me.
When they hit me, I don’t like it, and I feel scared. I wish I could tell my teacher or my friends, but I remember what my mom and dad say. I can’t tell anyone.
I don’t like being scared all the time. Sometimes, I want to hide, but I can't. I just try to be good so they don’t get more mad. I hope one day someone will know and help me, but for now, I just keep it all inside.”
When they hit me, I don’t like it, and I feel scared. I wish I could tell my teacher or my friends, but I remember what my mom and dad say. I can’t tell anyone.
I don’t like being scared all the time. Sometimes, I want to hide, but I can't. I just try to be good so they don’t get more mad. I hope one day someone will know and help me, but for now, I just keep it all inside.”
The effects of child abuse can last well into adulthood. Examples of long-term damage include symtoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and dissociative disorders, such as memory loss.