Healing from Codependency After Physical and Emotional Abuse

So far, in this series, we have discussed narcissistic and childhood abuse and how codependency can become a problem for survivors. However, physical and emotional abuse is also rampant in our society and tearing the future lives of our children apart.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emotional abuse is experienced by 11 percent of children and 50 percent of adults, although the exact figures are hard to measure.

This article will focus on emotional and physical abuse and how they cause millions to be caught up in the circus called codependency.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is the physical injury of a child on purpose. Legally, physical injury is anything from severe and frequent bruising of a child to more serious injuries. Physical abuse is not confined to injury caused by a parent or caregiver, as it can be committed by any person.

It is vital to understand that physical abuse only includes non-accidental harm. Non-accidental injuries include:

• The abuser intended to cause harm
• The abuser, knowingly, carelessly, or recklessly, involves a child in behavior that is dangerous

There are situations that are not considered physical abuse, such as corporal punishment with no injuries and slapping a child in anger with no injuries. Although these two situations are not considered physical child abuse, they certainly are not smiled upon or recommended.

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