Maternal maltreatment and facial abuse are two forms of violence that can have a profound impact on a person's life. Maternal maltreatment refers to the physical, emotional, or psychological abuse inflicted by a mother or maternal figure on her child. Facial abuse, on the other hand, involves physical harm or trauma inflicted on the face, often resulting in visible scars.
Learning to keep their own face perfectly still—a "poker face"—to avoid giving the abuser any more "fuel" or reasons to strike [5]. Body Dysmorphia:
In cases of maternal maltreatment, the abuse may stem from untreated postpartum mental illness, substance use, personality disorders, or intergenerational cycles of violence. But no clinical diagnosis excuses the act; understanding causes helps with prevention, not absolution. maternal maltreatment facialabuse
: Repeated or sustained emotional reactions by the child that are out of proportion to the situation.
: Mothers with a history of physical abuse may show increased expressions of when viewing children's emotional faces. Neglect and Avoidance Maternal maltreatment and facial abuse are two forms
Physically, facial abuse can lead to vision loss from orbital fractures, hearing impairment from temporal bone damage, dental deformities, and scarring that requires reconstructive surgery. In severe cases, traumatic brain injury results from blows to the head or face.
Humans are hardwired to read faces for safety. An infant distinguishes a mother’s face within hours of birth. The baby’s brain releases oxytocin when the mother smiles. When a child with a history of sees a face approaching, their amygdala (fear center) should be quiet. But in cases of facial abuse, it explodes. Learning to keep their own face perfectly still—a
: Orofacial injuries include bruising of the cheeks or lips, dental trauma (broken teeth), torn frenula (the tissue connecting the lip to the gum), and jaw fractures.