A: Abuse can leave many different types of wounds.

Long-term health problems. Since many people who are abused physically try to hide their injuries, they will often fail to get medical attention. So, an injury caused by abuse may never properly heal and can get worse over time. That can lead to long-term health problems.

Decreased self-esteem. After being insulted and put down for a long time, a person starts to believe it. Even after they get out of the abusive relationship, it usually takes emotionally-abused people a long time to feel good about themselves again.

Lack of sleep. When people don't sleep enough, they can't concentrate well. Grades can slip. And the person usually feels irritable and unhappy.

Nervousness. People who are being abused, especially psychologically or emotionally, often become very nervous and jumpy.

Emotional outbursts. People in abusive relationships may cry often and for almost no reason. They overreact with anger and defensiveness, especially if their partner is criticized in any way.

Sexual and other problems in future relationships. It's common for people who have been abused sexually or raped to have a hard time enjoying sexual relationships with future partners. To deal with this, they usually need to work with a trained counselor or therapist, and/or join a support group of other sexual abuse and rape survivors.

Poor partner choices. Some people who survive abuse end up with another abusive partner. Not all, but some. After being abused, a person usually feels bad about themselves, like they don't deserve someone who will treat them well. They've gotten used to being abused and don't understand that healthy relationships are about love and trust, not violence and manipulation. So they don't always make good choices when it comes to hooking up. Again, counseling can help solve this problem.

For more info, read fast facts: abusive relationships.