Why Some Victims of Child Abuse Repeat What Was Done to Them

"In previous posts, I wrote about the phenomena of re-victimization reenactments based on my recent book, Putting the Past in the Past. But thereis another type of reenactment-when a former victim of childhood abuse or neglect ends up treating others, specifically their own children and/or their partners, the way they were treated growing up. In this post, I will explain why and how this occurs."

"Studies suggest that about one-third of those who were physically or sexually abused or extremely neglected will go on to abuse others. The rate of abuse among individuals with a history of abuse is approximately six times higher than the base rate for abuse in the general population."

"Although many former victims tend to reenact the same type of abuse they experienced, not all victims who become abusive repeat the exact type of abuse they experienced. For example, a child who was sexually abused may not go on to sexually abuse their own children. Instead, they may be more likely to become a neglectful parent."

"Denial You'd think that being able to make the connection between the way we treat others and the way we were treated growing up would not be a difficult thing to do. After all, the saying "hurt people hurt people" has become quite popular lately. But unfortunately, those who become abusive are often in deep denial about the abuse they themse"

Former victims of childhood abuse or neglect sometimes treat their own children and partners the way they were treated growing up. Many do not recognize that they are reenacting harmful behavior, even when the connection seems obvious. Research indicates that roughly one-third of people who experienced physical or sexual abuse or extreme neglect later abuse others, with abuse rates about six times higher than in the general population. Reenactment may not always match the original abuse type; for example, sexual abuse can lead to neglect rather than sexual abuse. Several factors contribute, including denial and limited insight into how past treatment shapes current behavior.

Read at Psychology Today