Findings from Australia's first national study of the prevalence of child maltreatment, and associations with health risk behaviours and mental disorders

Abstract

Background: The Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS) is the first nationally representative study of the prevalence of child maltreatment in Australia. In addition to examining the prevalence of all five types of child maltreatment (physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and exposure to domestic violence), it examines associations with a range of physical and mental health conditions, and the burden of disease associated with child maltreatment. Objectives: To provide an overview of the background and methodology of the ACMS. Together the papers will outline prevalence estimates of child maltreatment and their association with selected mental disorders and health risk behaviours through life. Methods: The ACMS used computer-assisted telephone interviewing technology to interview 8503 Australians 16 years and older across Australia during April to October in 2021. A range of purpose-built and diagnostic measures were used. Findings: Results are under embargo but have been submitted for publication and will be available for sharing during this symposium. Conclusion: The data presented in this symposium demonstrate that child maltreatment is common and has an early and persistent association with a range of health risk behaviours and psychiatric disorders over the course of life. The data have significant implications for policy and practice in the prevention of and response to child maltreatment, suicide and non-suicidal self-injury and other health risk behaviours, and for common psychiatric disorders.