Common Myths about Child Abuse - What You Need to Know

January 30, 2025

Common Myths About Child Abuse – What You Need to Know

When you grow up experiencing abuse or neglect, it can be difficult to separate myths from reality when it comes to the lasting effects of trauma. Misconceptions about child abuse often prevent survivors from seeking support, lead to self-blame, and contribute to the stigma surrounding abuse.

Let’s clear up some of the most common myths about child abuse and get to the facts.

Myth #1: Abused children grow up to become abusers themselves.

Reality: This is one of the most harmful misconceptions about abuse. While some survivors do repeat the cycle of abuse, research shows that only about 1 in 3 do—meaning that 2 out of 3 do not. In fact, many survivors become deeply committed to breaking the cycle and ensuring that no child experiences what they endured.

🔎 Fact: According to research, most survivors of abuse do not go on to become abusers. Instead, they often develop deep empathy and actively work to create safe, supportive environments for others.

Myth #2: Only physical abuse has lasting effects.

Reality: Any form of abuse—physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, psychological, or neglect—can have deep and lasting impacts on a child’s mental and physical health. Even witnessing physical abuse can be profoundly traumatic.

🔎 Fact: Studies show that emotional abuse can be just as damaging—if not more so—than physical abuse, affecting a child’s self-worth, emotional regulation, and even brain development.

Myth #3: Abused children are always visibly distressed or withdrawn.

Reality: Many children who experience abuse appear completely fine on the outside—this is a survival mechanism. To cope, many children dissociate or suppress their emotions, making it difficult for others to recognize the abuse.

🔎 Fact: Some children show signs of distress, while others become overachievers, people-pleasers, or appear “normal” to avoid detection. Their trauma is often hidden.

Myth #4: Children who are abused always report it immediately.

Reality: Many children do not disclose abuse until years or even decades later—if at all. Fear, guilt, threats from the abuser, and confusion about what happened often prevent children from speaking out.

🔎 Fact:

Only 310 out of every 1,000 sexual assaults are reported to police—meaning 2 out of 3 go unreported. (Department of Justice, 2020)
60-76% of domestic violence incidents are never reported.
9 out of 10 cases of child abuse and neglect go unreported, according to TIME Magazine.

Myth #5: Abused children always have a negative relationship with their abuser.

Reality: In most cases, the child knows and trusts their abuser. Over 90% of abusers are someone the child knows, and more than 50% are family members.

🔎 Fact: Many children love their abuser—which is why they often feel conflicted about speaking out. Some even believe their relationship with their abuser is "special," making it even harder to recognize the abuse for what it is.

Myth #6: Emotional abuse is not as harmful as physical abuse.

Reality: Emotional abuse can be just as damaging—if not more so—than physical abuse. Children who experience constant criticism, humiliation, rejection, or manipulation can develop deep-rooted self-doubt, low self-worth, and mental health struggles that last into adulthood.

🔎 Fact: According to neuroscientific research, emotional abuse causes changes in the brain, specifically in areas responsible for emotional regulation and social connection. (Heim et al., 2013)

Myth #7: Abuse only happens in dysfunctional or poor families.

Reality: Abuse happens in all types of families—rich or poor, highly educated or not, in seemingly “normal” homes or chaotic ones. It’s a myth that abuse only happens in visibly broken families.

🔎 Fact: Abuse crosses all socioeconomic, racial, and cultural lines—it is not limited to any one group.

Myth #8: Children lie about abuse all the time.

Reality: Studies have shown that children rarely lie about abuse. In fact, they are more likely to deny, minimize, or “forget” what happened rather than falsely accuse someone.

🔎 Fact: Research from Lucy Berliner and colleagues in Seattle found that children’s accounts of abuse were not only accurate but often understated compared to what was later admitted by offenders.

Final Thoughts: Why It’s Important to Challenge These Myths

Misconceptions about child abuse keep survivors silent and prevent meaningful action. Understanding the truth is the first step in creating a world where survivors feel seen, believed, and supported.

💡 If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, know this:

You are not alone.
Your experiences matter.
Healing is possible.

For more resources on trauma recovery, visit my website: Resolve to Rise.

📚 Want to dive deeper? Download my FREE healing companion guide at www.resolvetorise.com.

Breaking the Silence Matters

The more we challenge these myths, the more we create a world where survivors feel heard and supported. If this resonated with you, share your story or an insight below. Your voice matters!

Citations:

Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Crime Victimization Survey, 2015-2019 (2020).
Heim CM, Mayberg HS, Mletzko T, Nemeroff CB, Pruessner JC. Decreased cortical representation of genital somatosensory field after childhood sexual abuse. The American Journal of Psychiatry. 2013.