This national study estimated the prevalence in Australia of each type of child maltreatment; to identify gender- and age group-related differences in prevalence. It concluded child maltreatment is common in Australia, and larger proportions of women than men report having experienced sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect during childhood. As physical and sexual abuse may have declined recently, public health policy and practice may have positive effects, justifying continued monitoring and prevention activities.

The known: Child maltreatment — physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and exposure to domestic violence — is a major public health problem. Population-level evidence regarding the prevalence of child maltreatment in Australia is not available.

The new: Physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and exposure to domestic violence were frequently reported by survey respondents, and women reported sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect more often than men. Recent declines in physical and sexual abuse may reflect the effect of public health interventions.

The implications: Our findings are relevant to the health, education, and welfare sectors. Public health policy and prevention efforts can further reduce levels of physical and sexual abuse, and reduce those of emotional abuse and exposure to domestic violence.