First national study of child maltreatment begins

By Kerrie Gottliebsen

Child maltreatment takes many forms. From emotional and physical abuse to sexual assault, neglect and exposure to domestic violence. Much of childhood abuse takes place behind closed doors and paves the way for a life of detrimental lifelong health outcomes. A $2.3 million study funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of the prevalence and impacts of child maltreatment in Australia is underway, led by QUT Professor Ben Mathews with a team of
international researchers who will interview 10,000 people between the ages of 16 and 86.