When a parent betrays a child, it can be a particularly devastating form of betrayal trauma because parents are often the primary source of love, safety, and support for children. Betrayals by a parent can take many forms, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, abandonment, or other forms of mistreatment.
The effects of parental betrayal can be severe and long-lasting, and can impact a child’s emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. Children who experience parental betrayal may struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, anger, and confusion, and may develop low self-esteem and difficulty trusting others.
Treatment for betrayal trauma involving a parent may involve individual therapy, family therapy, or support groups that specialize in working with survivors of childhood trauma. It’s important for individuals who have experienced parental betrayal to seek out support and care, as the effects of this type of trauma can be complex and long-lasting.