One in four Australian children sexually abused: research
Content warning: This story discusses child sexual abuse and may distress some people.
A new study published in the Medical Journal of Australia has identified the widespread scope of child maltreatment, highlighting the need for a nationally coordinated response.
Key findings about Australian children
- 1 in 3 experience physical abuse (32 per cent)
- 1 in 4 experience sexual abuse (28.5 per cent)
- 3 in 10 experience emotional abuse (30.9 per cent); and
- 4 in 10 experience exposure to domestic violence (39.6 per cent).
The Australian Child Maltreatment Study was first to identify the nationwide prevalence and nature of five forms of child maltreatment: physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect and exposure to domestic violence.
The study also looked at associated mental health disorders and health risk behaviours throughout life.
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