Childhood Verbal Abuse Raises Adult Mental Health Risks England, Wales Study

New research involving over 20,000 adults in England and Wales finds that verbal abuse in childhood can have mental health impacts as severe as physical abuse in adulthood, with verbal abuse linked to a 60-64% increased risk of poor mental wellbeing. Physical abuse prevalence has decreased by half in recent generations, while verbal abuse has increased significantly, now affecting about one in three children. Those exposed to both physical and verbal abuse face an even greater risk, with low mental wellbeing likelihood increasing by over 100%. Experts emphasize that verbal abuse is often overlooked despite its serious consequences, which include feelings of disconnection, pessimism, and emotional distress later in life. The findings highlight the urgent need to address verbal abuse to prevent long-term mental health damage and preserve the progress made in reducing physical abuse. Advocates call for increased awareness and intervention to stop the use of harsh and humiliating language toward children, stressing its lasting harm on development and wellbeing.