Violence, Abuse, and Neglect Across the Life Span

This chapter considers the impact of violence, abuse, and neglect on the lives of people throughout the life span. Beginning with childhood adverse experiences, it looks at the crisis experiences of many children and the developmental traumas that can arise from consistently neglectful and abusive care. The chapter considers the means by which counselors can support children suffering these crises, and transitions to some painful adolescent and adulthood experiences that uniquely challenge people who suffer at the hands of others. Finally, it concludes by describing the distinctive dynamics of neglect and abuse in older adulthood and the ways in which counselors can intervene. Neglect, abuse, and harassment bring formidable challenges to people who endure them, and counselors are well positioned to support and empower them on their journey to healing.