Is there such thing as having emotional growth stunted due to child abuse?

Yes: Unfortunately those most often involved in child abuse are parents, close relatives, sitters or day care personnel that should be the most trusted by the child. When that trust is broken by single or repeated episodes of unexpected and undeserved pain, criticism etc. The child grows up with no anchor to a trusting world. Strangers are avoided as less predictable & the outcome is constant worry.

Absolutely!: There is no doubt about it. Child abuse can cause serious problems with normal emotional growth. Child abuse is illegal in all 50 states and many states require adults to report suspected child abuse. Child abuse has very serious, bad, long-term effects and can even lead to death. Let's all pull together to help protect children from abuse!