Easy Read Version – Effects of Childhood Abuse & Getting Support

 

💙 You are not alone
💙 Abuse can affect both your mind and body
💙 Support is available for all ages

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How Abuse Can Affect People

1. Difficult emotions

• Feeling sad, anxious, angry, or irritable

• Mood swings and distressing thoughts

• Sometimes thoughts about suicide

2. Feeling alone / Trust issues

• Hard to trust people as an adult

• Fear of being hurt or rejected

• Might isolate yourself or become overly dependent

3. Shame and guilt

• Feeling responsible for what happened

• Low self-esteem or self-criticism

• Perfectionism or feeling “not good enough”

4. Feeling powerless

• Hard to say “no” or assert your needs

• Might act aggressively or try to control others

• Some develop eating disorders as a way to regain control

5. Sexual difficulties

• Physical contact may feel scary

• Intimacy can be challenging

6. Anxiety

• Feeling “on guard” or hyper-vigilant

• Fear of danger or panic attacks

• Phobias may develop

7. Nightmares and flashbacks

• Memories of abuse may feel real

• Sights, smells, or sounds may trigger trauma

• Traumatic memories may stay active in your mind

8. Dissociation

• Feeling “disconnected” or like daydreaming

• May have gaps in memory or feel outside your body

• Can be triggered by reminders of trauma

9. Memory problems

• Difficulty recalling certain events

• Some memories may surface later in life

10. Coping challenges

• Some survivors may turn to:

  • Alcohol or drugs

  • Gambling or overspending

  • Eating disorders

  • Self-harm

  • OCD or other risky behaviours

💙 Important: These reactions are normal responses to trauma. Your mind is protecting you.

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Getting Help and Support

United Kingdom (UK)

• NSPCC: 0808 800 5000

• Childline: 0800 1111

• Refuge (domestic abuse): 0808 2000 247

• Rape Crisis: 0808 802 9999

• Victim Support: 08 08 16 89 111

United States (USA)

• Childhelp (child abuse): 1-800-422-4453

• RAINN (sexual violence): 1-800-656-4673 / Online Chat

• Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE / Text 88788

• SAMHSA Helpline (mental health): 1-800-662-4357

Australia

• Child Wise: childwise.org.au

• 1800RESPECT (sexual/domestic abuse): 1800 737 732

• Lifeline: 13 11 14

Worldwide

• Child Helpline International: childhelplineinternational.org

• RAINN International: rainn.org/get-help/international

• Befrienders Worldwide: befrienders.org

• UNICEF Child Protection: unicef.org/protection

💙 Tips:

• You can contact support anonymously

• You do not need to wait for an adult

• Support is free and confidential

• Seeking help is a sign of strength