Child Maltreatment

Child maltreatment is abuse and neglect that occurs to people under 18 years of age and is an ongoing problem across the world. In the United States it is a national public health problem consistently documented over time. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported almost a quarter of adults state they experienced physical abuse as a child, and one in five women and one in 13 men reported experiencing sexual abuse. Results of child maltreatment can cause serious lifelong consequences. Current research helps to identify potential causes of child maltreatment, which can be used to create awareness, increase knowledge, and develop prevention and intervention programs. All states have laws addressing childhood abuse and neglect. Additionally, there are mandated reporters, such as doctors, teachers, counselors, ...