One in four Australian children have been sexually abused: research

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:

• 1 in 3 Australian children experience physical abuse (32 per cent)
• 1 in 4 Australian children experience sexual abuse (28.5 per cent)
• 3 in 10 Australian children experience emotional abuse (30.9 per cent); and
• 4 in 10 Australian children 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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Image: One in three Australian children experience physical abuse. (Pexels: Ksenia Chernaya)

Produced By: Netta Finney

Featured In Story: Sharon – Victim/survivor of childhood domestic violence and sexual abuse, and family support worker, and Professor Daryl Higgins – Director of the Institute of Child Protection Studies at Australian Catholic University

First aired on The Wire, Friday 14 April 2023