The data is alarming – it showed that parental separation, family mental illness, family substance abuse problems, and family economic hardship increase the risk of multi-type maltreatment. Experiencing more than one type of child abuse and neglect was associated with higher rates of mental health disorders and health risk behaviours, particularly cannabis dependence, self-harm, and suicide attempts.

While these findings are distressing, they also offer an opportunity for positive change. Child maltreatment is preventable – but it requires coordinated action. The ACMS data can guide our investments in evidence-based prevention and response initiatives, enabling us to take strategic action.

This information demands immediate attention to better safeguard children and reduce these poor health outcomes across life.

For more information about the study and its findings, see: https://www.acms.au

For a link to the ACMS Brief Report, see: https://www.acms.au/resources/the-prevalence-and-impact-of-child-maltreatment-in-australia-findings-from-the-australian-child-maltreatment-study-2023-brief-report/

Professor Daryl Higgins

Daryl is Director of the Institute of Child Protection Studies, at Australian Catholic University. Daryl’s research focuses on public health approaches to protecting children, and child-safe organisational strategies. A registered psychologist, he has been researching child abuse impacts and prevention, family violence and family functioning for 30 years. He is one of the chief investigators of the Australian Child Maltreatment Study. He has an extensive publishing record of articles, papers and reports that have made a significant impact on policy related to child maltreatment, both in Australia and internationally.