Is abuse a cycle where the abused today is the abuser tomorrow?

While it is known that victims and survivors of abuse as children are more likely to abuse in adulthood than those who have never been abused, it is not set in stone. The effects of abuse are far reaching and can influence later behavior towards others.

Some of the effects of abuse include high risk of drug use, alcohol use and mental health problems. While not directly indicative of abusive behavior, these can contribute to...

While it is known that victims and survivors of abuse as children are more likely to abuse in adulthood than those who have never been abused, it is not set in stone. The effects of abuse are far reaching and can influence later behavior towards others.

Some of the effects of abuse include high risk of drug use, alcohol use and mental health problems. While not directly indicative of abusive behavior, these can contribute to abusive behaviors later on in life. Also, people who have been in abusive situations can come to view that behavior as normal. They continue the line of abuse because that is how they believe that relationships function and they have never learned healthy relationship skills.

However, it has also been show that the cycle can be broken. Therapy of various modalities including psychotherapy, psychiatric therapy, art therapy and music therapy have proven to be effective in helping to overcome the negative effects of abuse. Also, developing a strong, positive support system has also proven beneficial.

There are many known factors in the perpetuation of the cycle of abuse and many more yet to be discovered. Knowing and understanding the effects of abuse can aid in reducing the likelihood of the abused becoming the abuser. Sometimes abuse can turn into a cycle, but it does not have to continue indefinitely.