The Lasting Impact of Verbal Abuse on Children: A Hidden Danger

Researchers from the UK and US are calling for verbal abuse of children to be recognized as a separate category of maltreatment, on par with physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. A review of data from over 150 previously published studies found that the majority of verbal abuse was inflicted by parents, followed by other caregivers and prominent adults in a child's life. The study argues that defining verbal abuse as a distinct subtype of child abuse would bring focus to the perpetrators and help develop better prevention strategies. The authors emphasize the need for more comprehensive research into the long-term impacts of verbal abuse and urge for better recognition of its consequences.