The prevalence of child maltreatment in Australia: findings from a national survey

The Medical Journal of Australia, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 218(S6)

Published: April 2, 2023

To estimate the prevalence in Australia of each type child maltreatment; to identify gender- and age group-related differences prevalence.

Language: Английский

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The prevalence and nature of multi‐type child maltreatment in Australia

The Medical Journal of Australia, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 218(S6)

Published: April 2, 2023

Abstract Objectives To determine the prevalence in Australia of multi‐type child maltreatment, defined as two or more maltreatment types (physical abuse, sexual emotional neglect, exposure to domestic violence) and examine its nature, family risk factors, gender age cohort differences. Design Retrospective cross‐sectional survey using a validated questionnaire. Setting participants Mobile phone random digit‐dial sample Australian population aged 16 years older. Main outcome measures National estimates up 18 Juvenile Victimisation Questionnaire‐R2: Adapted Version (Australian Child Maltreatment Study). Results Of 8503 participants, 62.2% (95% CI, 60.9–63.6%) experienced one maltreatment. Prevalence single‐type was 22.8% 21.7–24.0%), whereas 39.4% 38.1–40.7%) reported 3.5% 3.0–4.0%) all five types. Multi‐type common for diverse (66.1% [95% 53.7–78.7%]) women (43.2% 41.3–45.1%]) than men (34.9% 33.0–36.7%]). highest those 25–44 years. Family‐related adverse childhood experiences — especially mental illness alcohol substance misuse increased risk. Exposure violence type most often present patterns. Conclusions is prevalent individuals. protection services, health practitioners, prevention intervention services must assess manage children address consequences across lifespan. Public policy should consider strategies that target

Language: Английский

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The association between child maltreatment and mental disorders in the Australian Child Maltreatment Study

The Medical Journal of Australia, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 218(S6)

Published: April 2, 2023

Abstract Objectives To examine the associations between experiences of child maltreatment and mental disorders in Australian population. Design Population‐representative survey conducted by computer‐assisted telephone interviewing. Setting, participants residents aged 16 years older. Main outcome measures Mental disorder diagnoses lifetime major depressive disorder, current alcohol use (mild, moderate severe), generalised anxiety post‐traumatic stress disorder. Results More than one three Australians (3606/8503 surveyed participants; 38.0%; 95% CI, 36.7–39.3%) met diagnostic criteria for a The prevalence non‐maltreated was 21.6% (95% 19.9–23.3%; n = 851). This increased to 36.2% 33.5–38.9%; 764) those who experienced single type 54.8% 52.6–56.9%; 1991) multi‐type maltreatment. Compared with Australians, maltreated had about times odds any (odds ratio [OR], 2.82; 2.47–3.22), (OR, 3.14; 2.48–3.97), 3.19; 2.68–3.80) severe 2.62; 1.83–3.76), almost five 4.60; 3.00–7.07). Associations were strongest sexual abuse, emotional abuse strength did not differ gender. Adjustment childhood financial hardship socio‐economic status significantly attenuate associations. Conclusions are more likely occur individuals experience maltreatment, particularly Prevention provides an opportunity substantially reduce illness improve health

Language: Английский

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The association between child maltreatment and health risk behaviours and conditions throughout life in the Australian Child Maltreatment Study

The Medical Journal of Australia, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 218(S6)

Published: April 2, 2023

Abstract Objective To estimate associations between all five types of child maltreatment (emotional abuse, neglect, physical sexual and exposure to domestic violence) health risk behaviours conditions. Design, setting, participants Nationally representative survey Australian residents aged 16 years older conducted by computer‐assisted telephone interviewing. Main outcome measures Associations the following conditions: current smoker, binge drinking (at least weekly in past 12 months), cannabis dependence (according Cannabis Severity Dependence Scale), obesity (based on body mass index), self‐harm months, suicide attempt months. Results A total 8503 completed survey. All were associated with increased rates conditions that we considered. The strongest youngest age group (16–24‐year‐olds). Sexual abuse emotional highest odds dependence, attempts most strongly maltreatment. Experiencing more than one type was higher experiencing Conclusions Child is substantially Prevention intervention efforts should be informed trauma histories, holistic psychosocial care incorporated into programs focusing behaviour change.

Language: Английский

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Prevalence of Diverse Genders and Sexualities in Australia and Associations With Five Forms of Child Maltreatment and Multi-type Maltreatment

Child Maltreatment, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 30(1), P. 21 - 41

Published: Jan. 12, 2024

This study presents the most comprehensive national prevalence estimates of diverse gender and sexuality identities in Australians, associations with five separate types child maltreatment their overlap (multi-type maltreatment). Using Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS) data (

Language: Английский

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The prevalence of intimate partner violence in Australia: a national survey

The Medical Journal of Australia, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: May 4, 2025

Abstract Objectives To estimate the prevalence in Australia of intimate partner violence, each violence type, and multitype overall by gender, age group, sexual orientation. Study design National survey; Composite Abuse Scale (Revised)—Short Form administered mobile telephone interviews, as a component Australian Child Maltreatment Study. Setting Australia, 9 April – 11 October 2021. Participants 8503 people aged 16 years or older: 3500 16–24 about 1000 25–34, 35–44, 45–54, 55–64, 65 older. Main outcome measures Proportions participants who had ever been an relationship since (overall, orientation) reported experiencing physical, sexual, psychological violence. Results Survey data were available for eligible (14% persons contacted), whom 7022 relationships. The any was 44.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 43.3–46.2%); physical 29.1% CI, 27.7–30.4%) participants, 11.7% 10.8–12.7%), 41.2% 39.8–42.6%). significantly higher among women (48.4%; 95% 46.3–50.4%) than men (40.4%; 38.3–42.5%); also women. proportion diverse genders high (62 88 participants; 69%; 55–83%). non‐heterosexual (70.2%; 65.7–74.7%) larger those heterosexual orientation (43.1%; 41.6–44.6%). More (33.7%; 31.7–35.6%) (22.7%; 20.9–24.5%) Larger proportions 25–44 (51.4%; 48.9–53.9%) (48.4%, 46.1–50.6%) 45 older (39.9%; 37.9–41.9%). Conclusions Intimate is widespread Australia. Women are more likely to experience type A comprehensive national prevention policy needed, clinicians should be helped with recognising responding

Language: Английский

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Child maltreatment and health service use: findings of the Australian Child Maltreatment Study

The Medical Journal of Australia, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 218(S6)

Published: April 2, 2023

Abstract Objectives To examine associations between child maltreatment and health service use, both overall, by type the number of types reported. Design, setting Cross‐sectional, retrospective survey using Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire‐R2: Adapted Version (Australian Child Maltreatment Study); computer‐assisted mobile telephone interviews random digit dialling, Australia, 9 April – 11 October 2021. Participants Australians aged 16 years or more. The target sample size was 8500 respondents: 3500 people 16–24 1000 respondents each from five age groups (25–34, 35–44, 45–54, 55–64, 65 more). Main outcome measures Self‐reported use during past twelve months: hospital admissions, length stay, reasons for admission; numbers consultations with care professionals, overall type. Associations are reported as odds ratios adjusted group, gender, socio‐economic status, financial hardship (childhood current), geographic remoteness. Results A total 8503 participants completed survey. Respondents who had experienced were significantly more likely than those not to report a admission preceding months (adjusted ratio [aOR], 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–1.66), particularly mental disorder (aOR, 2.4; CI, 1.03–5.6). likelihood six visits general practitioners 2.37; 1.87–3.02) consultation nurse 2.67; 1.75–4.06), psychologist 2.40; 2.00–2.88), psychiatrist 3.02; 2.25–4.04) higher childhood. People three generally most greater use. Conclusions has major impact on Early, targeted interventions vital, only supporting children directly, but also their longer term wellbeing reducing system throughout life.

Language: Английский

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The prevalence and impact of child maltreatment in Australia: Findings from the Australian Child Maltreatment Study: Brief Report

Published: Jan. 1, 2023

The Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS) is a landmark study for our nation. ACMS research team has generated the first nationally representative data on prevalence of each five types child maltreatment in Australia, and their associated health impacts through life. We also identified information about context experiences, including how old children are when it occurs, who inflicts it. This knowledge which most at risk abuse neglect, ages, by whom, needed to develop evidencebased population approaches required reduce Australia. concerning its devastating outcomes present an urgent imperative nation-building reform better protect costs individuals, families, communities broader society. collected from 8500 randomly selected Australians aged 16-65 years older. included oversample 3500 young people 16-24 generate particularly strong contemporary society, assess adolescence early adulthood, allow future studies detect reductions rates over time. Our participants 25 enabled us understand trends different times history, measure Participants provided childhood experiences other adversities, mental disorders, behaviours, services utilisation, more. findings provide Moreover, national globally examine social all forms maltreatment. Taken together, deep understanding prevalence, impact neglect Australia make important contribution international field. brief report presents main general public audience. These further detailed seven peer-reviewed scholarly articles, published special edition Medical Journal Australia’s leading medical journal. Forthcoming work will questions specific additional evidence inform governments stakeholders optimal prevention policy practice. There cause hope. In recent years, there have been physical abuse, some sexual abuse. extremely important. They mean that fewer suffering, they indicate change possible. Policies programs these having effect. Yet, trends, with becoming even more common, emotional exposure domestic violence. And new victimisation emerging. As we much do. know can be reduced if together as governments, service sectors, communities. need invest more, better. It moral, economic coordinated long-term plan generational reform. found that: 1. widespread. 2. Girls experience high 3. major problem affecting today’s youth – not just something happened past. 4. severe problems behavioural harms, both adulthood. 5. 6. Emotional harmful, damaging than society understood.

Language: Английский

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A new era in child maltreatment prevention: call to action

The Medical Journal of Australia, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 218(S6)

Published: April 2, 2023

The Australian Child Maltreatment Study provides evidence demanding generational public health reform for national benefit Some 60 years have passed since scientific awareness of child maltreatment in Australia first stirred.1-4 Since then, various domains, progress has been made responding to maltreatment. Yet, our society's great cost, we until now lacked the necessary on its population-wide prevalence and associated outcomes inform prevention policy. As reported this supplement, (ACMS) obtained all five forms (physical abuse, sexual emotional neglect, exposure domestic violence),5 multi-type maltreatment.6 ACMS also measured mental disorders,7 risk behaviours,8 physical problems service use9 across age groups. By surveying 8500 Australians aged 16 over,10 uncovered past, discovered present, indelibly stamped an imperative transform future. Its findings revealed true magnitude devastating reverberations through life. Moreover, it shown that despite increased isolated improvements over time, majority continue be maltreated childhood.5-8 We should shaken by these findings. These data represent deep human suffering resulting from interpersonal harm most vulnerable citizens. boys are suffering, girls even more; echo other studies Australia,12 international calls action against gendered violence.13 adverse often severe, taking root adolescence cascading Sexual abuse show recent reductions (likely due policy greater attention),5, 14 duty-bound redouble efforts. Physical remains too common. With two children exposed violence, there is no denying home unsafe many Australians. new about searing impact demand a revolution relational world, requiring change what say children, how it. must resolve use enhanced clinical practice professions, sectors including welfare education. such resolution solidarity, can advance fundamental goals liberal democracy, providing more adolescents special priority they deserve,15, diminishing corrosive disadvantage trauma, supporting capacities required good lives intergenerational flourishing.16 surely want society where safe healthy. This bedrock impulse supported major policies. Reducing effects consistent with National Framework Protecting Australia's Children,17 Plan Reduce Violence Women their Children,18 Agreement Closing Gap,19 Strategy Prevent Respond Abuse.20 aims reduce seeks approach early intervention high quality targeted support families. settings broader respond effectively, United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16.2, which end violence children.21, 22 date, clearly not done enough. may point resource constraints, but economic argument demands change. Strategic thinking see as enduring nation-building imperative. reality invest more, better. In 2020, Productivity Commission estimated annual cost ill-health suicide at $200–220 billion.23 indicate contributes substantially crippling burden. better understand factors contributing disorders 16–24-year-olds,24, 25 emerging consensus investment adolescent wellbeing.26, 27 Commission's recommendations included life course ill-health, parents, socio-emotional development school whole-of-government commitment Mental Health Suicide Prevention Plan. Albanese Labor Government elected 2022 intends create assess budget measures include individual societal levels.28 safety forefront initiatives. offers long term benefits. Left unchecked, produces risks offspring parents who experienced maltreatment,29 behavioural dysregulation,30 disease burden.31 Improved therefore presents enormous opportunity curtail epidemic afflicting accelerate approach. fitting, central mission improve health, promote social justice, prioritise rights, care vulnerable.32 Governments responsibility boost population level, categories, limit impacts after event. Successful approaches those effectiveness, scaffolded full range law mechanisms.33 need coordinated implementation responses government non-government agencies communities, genuine intervention, causes monitoring efficacy.32, 34 Models recognise systematic, networked efforts using ecological necessitates individual, community domains education skill development, enhance parenting, harmful attitudes norms protect provide therapeutic services, laws policies individuals families.35, 36 Protective fostering supportive relationships, environments predictable routines, connectedness.37, 38 Mechanisms exist programmatic efforts, law.32, 33 At leverage offered recalibrating broad settings,34 housing, taxation, parental leave, access childcare childhood education, ameliorate some circumstances heightening likelihood types key stakeholders enable appropriate For example, practitioners require pre-service training ongoing identify treat Similarly, educational equipped trauma-informed responses, avoid exclusion, do services youth involved systems.39 informed differential aetiology types, needed prenatal postnatal periods childhood, embedded within curricula, programs respectful relationships prevention.40 While aimed reduction, framing promotion healthy engagement program participants, well funding agencies, stakeholders, agencies.34 primary secondary best couched elevating equality opportunity.34 Effective prioritisation alignment vital,41 selection levers strike balance between being evidence-based community-driven. interventions remain scarce,42 solid exists optimal approaches34, 42, 43 protective factors.37 Evidence indicates cost-effectiveness family models addressing psychosocial abuse.44, 45 More generally, visiting programs, parenting maltreatment42, 46-53 cost-effective.54 However, typically focus only neglect,43 appear less effective complex situations,55 seem reduction than prevention, stronger characteristics.56, 57 limitations, together salience infancy developmental stages pressure points attest accelerated ascertain individualised needs culture promoting equal capacity, then extend transition points.34, 46 massive level population, higher rates officially substantiated cases.58 Challenges disadvantage, alcohol substance use, influence maltreatment6 capacity preventive services. Responding current huge challenge; urgently services,59 adults.9 workforce shortages longstanding exacerbated COVID-19 pandemic. Coordinating large geographical areas difficult, federation poses further challenges. easily or quickly soluble. better, challenge level. Progress — notably declines abuse5 possible. Many families receive former generations,60, 61 although refinement response provision significant harm, rather unnecessarily involving them statutory processes.61 Balanced consideration shows negative. Around one-third participants (37.8%) maltreatment,6 developed equivalent outcomes.7-9 Consequences buffered factors, experience stigmatised considered bound deleterious outcomes, identified needed. initiatives already initiated learning schools.62 promising locations supports; States, large-scale school-based implemented, urged, state emergency health.63 formidable challenges moral necessity. Children's core responsibilities held governments, institutions individuals. recalibrate political priorities norms, security collective forge paradigm shift will, participation, practitioner parent engagement. wisely, universal targeted, subpopulations risk. Long benefits will far outweigh short costs. ten greatest achievements 20th century were produced connected fields planning, healthier mothers babies.64 If so resolve, advances signal achievement 21st century. acknowledge ACMS, without whom could generated. grateful David Finkelhor (Crimes Children Research Center, University New Hampshire) helpful comments article, him colleagues team brought project fruition. thank Deborah Daro (Chapin Hall Chicago) article. numerous leaders governments organisations Australia, served Advisory Board provided important insights into contemporary Open publishing facilitated Queensland Technology, part Wiley - Technology agreement via Council Librarians. No relevant disclosures. Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.

Language: Английский

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Emotional maltreatment and adolescent friendship quality: Examining the divergent impacts of abuse and neglect on friendship development across gender

Child Abuse & Neglect, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 164, P. 107473 - 107473

Published: April 28, 2025

Language: Английский

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