The Child Welfare Information Gateway (2006) shows that child abuse can make the following more likely:

Difficulties During Adolescence.

Abused and neglected children tend to be at least 25 percent more likely to experience problems such as delinquency, teen pregnancy, low academic achievement, drug use, and mental health problems (Kelley, Thornberry, & Smith, 1997). (CWIG, 2006, Behavioral, para 2)

Juvenile Delinquency and Adult Criminality.

A National Institute of Justice study indicated that being abused or neglected as a child increased the likelihood of arrest as a juvenile by 59 percent. Abuse and neglect increased the likelihood of adult criminal behavior by 28 percent and violent crime by 30 percent (Widom & Maxfield, 2001). (CWIG, 2006, Behavioral, para 3)

Alcohol and Substance Abuse

Research consistently reflects an increased likelihood that abused and neglected children will smoke cigarettes, abuse alcohol, or take illicit drugs. According to a report from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, as many as two-thirds of people in drug treatment programs reported being abused as children (Swan, 1998). (CWIG, 2006, Behavioral, para 4)

Abusive Behavior. 

Abusive parents often have experienced abuse during their own childhoods. It is estimated approximately one-third of abused and neglected children will eventually victimize their own children (Prevent Child Abuse New York, 2003)” (CWIG, 2006, Behavioral, para 5).