I consider neglect as abuse. Really, it could be a type of emotional abuse. I was neglected, abused sexually, physically, verbally, and emotionally, and I feel like the neglect did the most damage to me. It gave me the message that I don't matter, that I'm worthless and unimportant. I was never actually told those things through words, but through the neglect and behavior of my mother, mostly. I spent all of my childhood wondering what was wrong with me. What did I do to make my mother not love me. Neglect damages your beliefs about yourself. Neglect is just as damaging as any other abuse. Also, everyone is affected in different ways. It's not always a textbook response. Everyone is different. Don't invalidate yourself. It's not your fault.