Johnson, Charles F. "Abuse and Neglect of Children." In Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, ed. Richard E. Behrman. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Co., 1996.
Child abuse can have lifelong consequences. Research shows that abused children and adolescents are more likely, for instance, to do poorly in school, suffer emotional problems, develop an antisocial personality, become promiscuous, abuse drugs and alcohol, and attempt suicide. As adults they often have trouble establishing intimate relationships. Whether professional treatment is able to moderate the long-term psychological effects of abuse is a question that remains unanswered.
I'm awfully glad for you, Julielai, because you have not suffered any consequences after being abused as a child and have been able to become an useful and socially valuable member of our society.
Spare the rod and spoil the child.