1 in 4 Australians physically abused by parents: study
Physical abuse can include an adult hitting, pushing, kicking, beating, punching, choking or burning a child.
New research reveals that one in four young Australians experienced physical abuse from their parents during childhood, often occurring before the age of ten. Physical abuse can range from minor acts such as hitting or pushing to more severe forms of violence like beating or burning. The study, based on data from the Australian Child Maltreatment Study, examines who perpetrates physical abuse and the age at which it typically occurs.
The research indicates that family members, particularly parents, are the most common perpetrators, with children being 20 times more likely to experience abuse from a family member than an institutional caregiver. Girls are more likely to face familial physical abuse than boys. Interestingly, one in three adults who reported abuse before age ten indicated it was by both parents, contradicting previous research suggesting fathers as the most common abusers.
However, when only one parent abuses, boys are twice as likely to be abused by their father compared to their mother.
To reduce physical abuse, a new National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children is being developed in Australia. This plan presents an opportunity to shift focus from responding to abuse to preventing it through earlier, targeted support. Key strategies for prevention include improving public awareness, making parenting support accessible to all families, and providing children with safe and accessible avenues to seek help.
Addressing stressors such as mental health issues, substance abuse, and unstable housing can also contribute to reducing pressures on families and minimizing the risk of abuse.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
