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Being raised by an abusive father is perhaps the most traumatic experience that any child can go through. Waking up everyday is tough especially when the child does not know what to expect from his or her father. Some days there is serious abuse while other times the abuse is suttle. No matter how it looks the fact remains abuse is violence against another person and is against the law. Not to mention it is morally and ethically wrong.

In earlier years, there was no such thing as child abuse so parents could get away with it. Now things are different. If a parent looks at his or her child the wrong way, the parent could go to prison and/or lose the child.  That is really carrying it to extremes, but is true.

Having a father who raises a child abusively can really damage the child, sometimes dramatically unless the child receives counseling. Often times the child rebels and shows other signs of aggression. The child will often imitate the father and become abusive when he or she gets older. There have been cases where the child even developed criminal tendencies or became a prostitute, drug abuser, or a runaway.

There are situations of where the child shuts down and stays in his own world. Studies have shown a link between child abuse and delayed intellectual development. The child loses his ability to adapt to his or her environment leading to poor cognitive development.

The child produces feelings of guilt, violation, loss of control and lowered self-esteem sometimes with suicidal tendencies. Common problems include emotional and behavioral problems, poor performance in school, and possible further abuse.

Some teenagers become so confused with the effects of their abuse that they turn against themselves with self-harm, or will harm others, or vandalize property.

Children who are abused are often found emulating violent behaviors and will come to perceive them as normal behavior. This in turn will cause them to act in the same way later in life.

The father who abuses his children has come into it pretty much the same way. He was abused by his father. He merely repeats the pattern of his father's abuse to his own children.

There are many ways for children of abusive fathers to get help. There are organizations that cater to abused children. There are also counseling centers available to provide help to the child and/or the father.  Or perhaps if the father wants to meet individually he can do that to. No matter the situation there is help available for both parties.

Some children, after reaching a certain age, or even when reaching adult age have found comfort in prayer and prayer groups at their local church. Having faith in God that he will strengthen those who ask him seems to help and gives most of these people hope.

Harry Husted is a freelance writer and author.  His writing projects include ghostwriting, copywriting, web site content, and DTP.  His credits include articles for Internet Day, Internet World, Advertising Today, Advertising Age, L-Advertising, and a host of others. Harry is also an author of three books, Learn How to Repair Computers: Get Certified in 15 Weeks, How to Write Your Way to Millions, and How to Find and Start a Legitimate Home Business. He can be reached by sending email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit his site at www.creatingwords.com.

This article is copyright (c) 2002 by Harry Husted, and may be reprinted in it's entirety as long as this byline and copyright statement is included.