Child abuse is a contributing factor in youth suicide, crime, homelessness, mental illness, drug and alcohol abuse and unemployment in young people and adults.
Research from Australia and overseas has found evidence to support a connection between child abuse and range of social problems. For example:
- More than 80% of women in Australian prisons have been victims of sexual and other types of abuse. More than 70% of women receiving assistance with depression and other mental health issues have experienced child abuse.
- More than 70% of women attending drug and alcohol treatment services have histories of childhood sexual abuse.
- More than 70% of men attending drug and alcohol treatment services have histories of physical abuse in childhood.
- There is a strong link between experiences of childhood abuse and higher rates of some mental health problems in later life, such as depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress.
As a community, we have not always linked these social problems with child abuse. The obvious question is why not?
As a community, we all bear the social and financial costs of these problems. Each year, governments spend more on mental health services, more on drug and alcohol services, more on law and order.
The long term consequences of child abuse not only affect the individual, they affect the whole community.
The solution is clear. Preventing child abuse ensures that children are able to experience the safe and happy childhood they require. Preventing child abuse can also reduce the size and impact of a number of other critical social problems in the long term.
We must all act now to prevent child abuse. It will benefit children, young people and their families. It will benefit all of us.
