New Curtin University-led research has revealed most childhood physical abuse in Australia occurs within families \u00ad\u2014 and before children turn 10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The study analysed Australian Child Maltreatment Study<\/a> data from 8,503 Australians aged 16 and older, focusing on 2,623 individuals who reported experiencing childhood physical abuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Experiences of physical abuse ranged from being hit, punched or kicked by an adult through to more severe forms of violence such as being beaten, hit on the head or face, choked or burned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of this group, researchers found physical abuse remains high for young Australians, with one in four 16-to-24-year-olds reporting experiencing physical abuse by a family member.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The study also showed physical abuse was overwhelmingly perpetrated within the home, with family members responsible for 85 per cent of reported perpetration, compared with 4 per cent in institutional settings and 5 per cent in both settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other key findings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lead author Monica Madzoska<\/a>, a PhD candidate from Curtin\u2019s School of Population Health<\/a>, said the findings showed efforts to prevent child physical abuse must extend beyond institutions and place greater emphasis on the home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAustralia\u2019s focus on institutional abuse has helped drive progress, but most physical abuse occurs within families,\u201d Mrs Madzoska said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe concentration of abuse in children\u2019s formative years shows prevention and early-intervention efforts must reach families early, when support can make the greatest difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA stronger national focus on supporting parents and families is critical to preventing physical abuse and other forms of child maltreatment, and to promoting the mental health of young Australians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat means investing in evidence-based parenting programs, reducing pressures on families, intervening early and ensuring children can safely seek help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n