How much of an impact does physical child abuse have on a male later on in life?

Question

Should I be worried about my bf never talking about it even though I've seen the scars and recognize them for what they are?He's 21 and has shown no violent tendencies towards women whatsoever.

Answer 1

Children who are physically abused have a predisposition to a host of emotional disturbances. They may experience feelings of low self-esteem and depression or may be hyperactive and overly anxious. Many of these children may exhibit behavioral problems such as aggression towards other children or siblings. Other emotional problems include anger, hostility, fear, humiliation, and an inability to express feelings. The long-term emotional consequences can be devastating. For example, children who are abused are at risk of experiencing low self-esteem, depression, drug/alcohol dependence, and increased potential for child abuse as a parent.