Download file Child abuse

Child abuse encompasses all forms of physical, sexual, and emotional violence, as well as neglect of minors. Child sexual abuse refers to any sexual act on or with a child who cannot give informed consent due to their developmental stage. Most perpetrators are known to the child—family members, caregivers, authority figures—which makes processing particularly difficult for survivors: the attachment system and the abuse system are inextricably linked. Long-term consequences include PTSD, dissociative disorders, borderline personality disorders, addiction, and an increased risk of re-victimization. As a special theme in literature, child abuse is one of the strongest moral drivers: almost every character—readers included—instinctively reacts with disgust towards the perpetrator and protective impulses towards the victim. In thrillers, child abuse serves as the origin trauma of antagonists (the perpetrator who was themselves abused), as the strongest motive for revenge, and as a socio-critical mirror of institutional failure.