Consequences Of Child Abuse On Students Academic Performance As Perceived By Secondary School Teachers
[A CASE STUDY OF ILORIN METROPOLIS]

Spiritual Consequences
Often, children who have been abused and neglected report having lost their sense of faith, not just a religious belief in a divine being, but also their faith in themselves, other people and the world around them. It is common for maltreated children to display what some authors have called a shattered soul or soul pain. Moreover, adults who have experienced maltreatment display less interest and participation in organized religion. Systematic battering, sexual abuse, emotional attacks or the long-term neglect of a child is likely to destroy his or her spirit or enthusiasm for life. While often overlooked in the literature, the shattered soul may prove to be an extremely significant long-term consequence of child maltreatment. The emphasis of this research is on how child abuse affects students’ performance in school.
Summary of the Review of Related Literature
According to Herbet (1990) reviewed that child abuse is observed as the maltreatment of children which has been in existence for a long period of time; however it has received public recognition as an important medical social problem. It is a world-wide problem in which many nation lack written policies.
Most parents use some form of discipline to discipline children. However, it is observed that it is neither how much discipline that makes the difference. It is stressed that child abuse denied the child the right to education and the opportunity to attain full physical and psychological development such child is found trapped in forced labour bondage, prostitution and other kind of work which cause immediate damage and permanent damage to their lives.
Considering the socio-cultural, economic and political state of this nation it is clear that child abuse because of poverty had eaten deep into the fabrics of the society. Nevertheless, the Government should not relent in her effort to defend the right of each child in this country by providing equal access to quality education and entire development of all Nigerian children.