The authors examine the associations between experiences of child maltreatment and mental disorders in the Australian population. Child maltreatment is associated with increased risk of mental disorders.

More than one in three Australians met the diagnostic criteria for a mental disorder. Compared with non-maltreated Australians, maltreated participants had about three times the odds of any mental disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder and severe alcohol use disorder, and almost five times the odds of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Associations between experiences of child maltreatment and mental disorders were strongest for sexual abuse, emotional abuse and multi-type maltreatment. The strength of the associations did not differ by gender. Adjustment for childhood and current financial hardship and for current socio-economic status did not significantly attenuate the associations.

Prevention of child maltreatment provides an opportunity to substantially reduce the prevalence of mental illness and improve the health of the Australian population.