a legacy of abuse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a legacy of abuse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that has been passed down through generations, often referring to patterns of harmful behavior or trauma. Example: "The community has struggled for years with a legacy of abuse that has affected countless families."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

— a legacy of abuse and dysfunction.

The New York Times

But the generations of civil war have left a legacy of abuse.

The New York Times

Official figures indicate that one in seven defector deaths are suicides – a legacy of abuse, the impact on family members left behind and the struggle to survive in a free society.

The Guardian

A Huffington Post investigation published in October detailed a legacy of abuse at prisons operated by the for-profit firm Youth Services International and other companies run by its founder, James Slattery.

HuffPost

I was never taught and I will not learn"—perhaps she could have had a chance to work through her pain and not pass on a legacy of abuse to her surviving child.

Vice

"When a person in public life, such as the minister of state for home affairs, makes an egregious comment and uses a cultural explanation to take away a woman's right to say no, to compromise her bodily integrity and dignity, we have fight back harder to continue a legacy of equality and mutual respect that we inherited from India's struggle for freedom and social reform, not a legacy of abuse".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He also stepped into a culture tainted by a legacy of police abuse going back decades.

The Washington Post

Instead of bonding together in the face of war or of sporting rivalry, Mr Nolvak wants people to unite against the "common enemy" of garbage.Estonia has a tradition of volunteer efforts aimed at cleaning up the blight of illegal rubbish dumping in public spaces (part of a legacy of environmental abuse during the Soviet occupation era).

The Economist

It was intended that I meet Shy on neutral ground but, despite the rare trip to London, she finds it difficult to get out due to ongoing health complications (her bad hip is a legacy of the abuse), and so the surprising decision was made that I would see her at home in Essex, a secret, police-protected house where she has lived since 2002.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But will the administration be able to effectively remedy a long legacy of abuse?

Huffington Post

The report, unveiled on Friday after a 13-month investigation, forced a public reckoning for a police department with a legacy of corruption and abuse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics like "a legacy of abuse", prioritize using respectful and trauma-informed language. Frame the discussion in a way that acknowledges the impact on survivors and promotes understanding rather than sensationalizing the issue.

Common error

Don't assume that "a legacy of abuse" manifests identically across different individuals or communities. Recognize the diverse ways trauma can affect people and avoid making sweeping statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a legacy of abuse" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it describes a condition passed down through generations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a legacy of abuse" effectively conveys the concept of enduring, often intergenerational, patterns of harmful behaviors. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in describing situations where past abuses have long-lasting effects. Primarily found in News & Media contexts, the phrase carries a neutral register, suitable for serious discussions. While alternatives like "a history of mistreatment" or "an inheritance of trauma" exist, "a legacy of abuse" distinctly emphasizes the cyclical and inherited nature of the problem.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a history of mistreatment

Focuses on the historical aspect of mistreatment, similar to legacy, but without necessarily implying intergenerational transmission.

an inheritance of trauma

Highlights the passing down of trauma, emphasizing the psychological impact.

a cycle of violence

Emphasizes the recurring nature of violent acts, often within families or communities.

a pattern of exploitation

Focuses on the systematic exploitation of individuals or groups over time.

an enduring consequence of harm

Highlights the long-lasting effects of harmful actions.

a continuing impact of maltreatment

Emphasizes the ongoing effects of poor treatment.

a long shadow of mistreatment

Uses a metaphor to describe the pervasive and lingering effects of mistreatment.

the aftermath of cruelty

Focuses on the period following cruel acts and their resulting impact.

the repercussions of wrongdoing

Highlights the consequences that stem from unethical or illegal actions.

a tradition of mistreatment

Highlights how a behavior has been passed down or established.

FAQs

How can "a legacy of abuse" affect future generations?

“A legacy of abuse” can lead to intergenerational trauma, affecting mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Patterns of behavior and coping mechanisms, often unhealthy, can be passed down, perpetuating the cycle. Breaking this cycle requires awareness, therapy, and conscious effort.

What are some signs that someone is struggling with “a legacy of abuse”?

Signs can include difficulty forming healthy relationships, experiencing anxiety or depression, struggling with addiction, or exhibiting patterns of abusive behavior themselves. Recognizing these signs is crucial for seeking appropriate help.

How does “a legacy of abuse” differ from a single incident of abuse?

While a single incident of abuse is traumatic, “a legacy of abuse” implies a continuous pattern of harmful behavior passed down through generations. This creates a complex web of trauma that can be deeply ingrained in family and community dynamics.

What resources are available for those affected by “a legacy of abuse”?

Numerous resources exist, including therapists specializing in trauma, support groups, and organizations dedicated to breaking cycles of abuse. Seeking professional help is a vital step in healing and preventing further harm.