Child Maltreatment
“Globally, nearly 3 in 4 – or 300 million – children aged 2 to 4 years old regularly suffer physical punishment and/or psychological violence at the hands of parents and caregivers.” – WHO
Child Maltreatment
Is a global public health issue
Child maltreatment is the abuse and neglect that occurs to children under 18 years of age. It includes all types of physical and/or emotional maltreatment, sexual abuse, neglect, and commercial or other exploitation. This abuse or neglect results in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development, or dignity.
Child maltreatment has often severe short- and long-term physical, sexual and mental health consequences. These include injuries, including head injuries and severe disability, in particular in young children; post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Adolescent girls may face additional health issues, including gynecological disorders and unwanted pregnancy.
Child maltreatment can affect cognitive and academic performance and is strongly associated with alcohol and drug abuse and smoking – key risk factors for noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
Maltreatment causes stress that is associated with disruption in early brain development. Extreme stress can impair the development of the nervous and immune systems. Consequently, as adults, maltreated children are at increased risk for behavioral, physical and mental health problems.
Beyond the health, social and educational consequences of child maltreatment, there is an economic impact, including costs of hospitalization, mental health treatment, child welfare, and longer-term health costs.
HOW TO MITIGATE AND PREVENT IT
Together, We Can
Make A Difference
Forensic nurses meet the critical healthcare needs of victims of violence through a patient-centered, trauma-informed approach. They play a vital role in reducing the health impacts of child maltreatment.