The Prevalence of Child Maltreatment across the Globe: Review of a Series of Meta‐Analyses

Abstract

In this review, we combine and compare the results of a series of meta‐analyses on the prevalence of child sexual, physical and emotional abuse and physical and emotional neglect, including 244 publications and 551 prevalence rates for the various types of maltreatment. Child maltreatment research seems to be dominated by research on sexual abuse, studies in developed parts of the world and research using self‐report measures. The overall estimated prevalence rates for self‐report studies (mainly assessing maltreatment ever during childhood) were 127/1000 for sexual abuse (76/1000 among boys and 180/1000 among girls), 226/1000 for physical abuse, 363/1000 for emotional abuse, 163/1000 for physical neglect and 184/1000 for emotional neglect. The overall estimated prevalence rates for studies using informants (mainly assessing the 1‐year prevalence of maltreatment) were four per 1000 for sexual abuse and three per 1000, respectively, for physical abuse and emotional abuse. We conclude that child maltreatment is a widespread, global phenomenon affecting the lives of millions of children all over the world, which is in sharp contrast with the United Nation's Convention on the Rights of the Child. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Key Practitioner Messages: Child maltreatment research is dominated by research on sexual abuse. The prevalence rates for informant studies were lower than for self‐report studies. The prevalence of child maltreatment is largely similar across the globe.

Child maltreatment across the lifespan

“…sexual, physical, and emotional, and neglect of a child (Elklit, Karstoft, Armour, Feddern, & Christofferson, 2013). Unfortunately, childhood maltreatment is generally highly prevalent across the world (Stoltenborgh, Bakermans-Kranenburg, Alink, & van Ijzendoorn, 2015). Exposure to child maltreatment is associated with a considerable risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD) as well as a wide range of other forms of psychopathology (Ford, 2015).…”

Santé mentale et physique des filles et des garçons agressés sexuellement

“…L'agression sexuelle durant l'enfance, tout comme la maltraitance, est un problème prévalent partout dans le monde (Barth, Bermetz, Heim, Trelle et Tonia, 2013 ;Stoltenborgh, Bakermans-Kranenburg, Alink et van Ijzendoorn, 2015 ;Stoltenborgh, van Ijzendoorn, Euser et BakermansKranenburg, 2011). Les taux d'adultes qui rapportent avoir été agressés sexuellement à l'enfance (avant 18 ans) varient de 0,4 à 31 % selon la population étudiée et la source d'information.…”

Validação de conteúdo de um instrumento para identificação de violência contra criança

“…Psychological violence is any action that might endanger or cause damage to the self-esteem, identity or development of the child. (12,15) Sexual abuse is defined as sexual acts or games performed by older individuals that aim to stimulate the child to obtain sexual satisfaction. Relationships may be homosexual or heterosexual.…”

“…Abandonment is a more serious form of neglect. (12,15) Thus, there is need for a validated instrument that can be used by health professionals in a practical and objective way to trace violence against children in everyday clinical practice. Given the previously highlighted context, the aim of this study was to develop and validate the content of an instrument to identify violence against children, the starting point for multidisciplinary follow-up of cases.…”