However, the encomienda system was often abused. Many encomenderos treated the indigenous people as slaves, forcing them to work long hours in dangerous conditions and paying them little or no wages. The indigenous people were also often subjected to physical and sexual abuse. As a result, the encomienda system had a devastating impact on the indigenous population of the Americas.
The encomienda system was eventually abolished in the 18th century, but its legacy of violence and exploitation continues to affect the indigenous people of the Americas today.