Child abuse changes the genes of several generations

Physical abuse of a child leaves a “molecular scars” in his body. The study showed that the scars of psychological trauma in childhood, stored in the genes.

Science is well aware of the fact that physical violence over the child leaves not only physical but also emotional scars on his soul. And now researchers from Harvard and the University of British Columbia found that if children were exposed to physical violence, it can leave their body’s molecular changes, which can even be transmitted to future generations due to certain changes in genes. Genetic markers of injury identified in most victims of child abuse. It is possible that by means of tests on these markers in the future it will be possible to prove the facts of violence against children even in the decades after the crimes were committed.

Psychologists have long talked about the fact that those injuries that get in childhood, kept by the person throughout his life. And now a new study has shown that this toxic environment affects genes. Note that in the United States every 10 seconds is performed on one count of child abuse. Children can suffer these injuries, hoping in the future after growing up to break from their abusers. But deep in their bodies the marks of violence are stored at the gene level that threatens future generations.

Because of the constantly elevated levels of stress hormone cortisol these children in the future face increased risk of heart disease and the liver, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, usually associated with Smoking. With the help of cigarettes the victim of violence trying in adolescence to relieve stress. Overall, survivors of violence in childhood, men have a shorter life expectancy, and some studies even reduce it into two decades. (READ MORE)