New research has revealed the majority of Australians (87%) agree emotional abuse is a serious problem in Australia, however a huge nine in ten (90%) underestimate the prevalence of childhood maltreatment, highlighting a critical need to raise awareness about the detrimental impact emotional abuse can have on a child and young person.
Sadly, emotional abuse was the most common type of maltreatment (57%) among the 45,400 Australian children confirmed to have experienced abuse during 2022-23.
The new research commissioned by leading national children’s organisation Act for Kids, has been released to coincide with Child Protection Week 2024 (1-7 September).
“Emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse, yet it often goes unnoticed or unreported. It’s defined as a pattern of behaviours that damage a child’s sense of self-worth and impact their emotional development,” Act for Kids CEO, Dr Katrina Lines said.
Worryingly, the data also revealed that in 2024 only half (50%) of Australians said that they would report their concerns about suspected child abuse to authorities.
Additionally, it found one in five Australians (21%) do not recognise that withholding love and affection is a form of emotional abuse, whilst over half (59%) of respondents aged 14-17 years have witnessed emotional abuse at school.
Dr Lines emphasises the gravity of the new findings and stresses the need for increased awareness and community intervention.
“These findings are important and highlight the prevalence of this issue in society, but the data also identifies crucial knowledge gaps in our understanding,” she said.
Emotional abuse is defined as a pattern of behaviours that damage a child’s sense of self-worth, impacting their emotional development.
This can include, but is not limited to, constant yelling, swearing, insulting, criticising, threatening, and calling a child hurtful names or shaming them.
Despite the serious nature of these behaviours, adults may dismiss them as mere disciplinary measures or expressions of frustration.
However, emotional abuse can have a profound and lasting negative impact on a child or young person’s mental health, brain development, self-esteem, and overall wellbeing.
“By raising awareness and providing education on this critical issue, we can help mitigate the effects such as anxiety, depression, and even physical health problems later in life,” Dr Lines said.
Comparing the data in this year’s survey to a similar survey conducted in 2016 provides more insight into the perception of emotional abuse.
In 2016, emotional abuse was ranked as the second most harmful type of abuse behind sexual abuse, whereas in 2024, it has fallen to third place behind sexual abuse and physical abuse.
Despite countless studies showing emotional abuse is just as harmful as physical and sexual abuse, it appears there is limited understanding of its severe impact.
“Signs of emotional abuse can include behaviours such as sarcasm, mood swings, jealousy, shaming, silent treatment, and belittling, as well as more overt actions like yelling and bullying. It’s important for adults to understand how even actions, that might seem minor or just part of discipline, can have serious repercussions,” Dr Lines said.
This Child Protection Week, Act for Kids is encouraging everyone to get behind the ‘Stadium of Hope’ campaign to shine a light on the child abuse, while raising vital funds for children who have experienced or are at-risk of abuse in Australia.
Sadly, between 45,000 to 50,000 Australian children experience abuse and neglect every year – which would nearly equate to a sell-out crowd at a standard stadium sporting match.
Aussies are being urged to help by purchasing virtual tickets for $10 each to the Stadium of Hope fundraising campaign, with all money raised to go to Act for Kids.
“We’re hopeful parents, carers, businesses and community groups secure their seat and help us virtually sell out the stadium and support children who have experienced abuse. We all have a role to play in protecting children whether it’s becoming more educated, looking out for signs, raising awareness, supporting affected families, or advocating for stronger policies, every action counts,” Dr Lines said.
Act for Kids has also released the ‘Safe Hearts and Minds’ tipsheet to help adults build positive emotional connections with children.
It aims to equip Australians who work with, live with, and care for children including parents, carers, grandparents, teachers, trusted adults, mentors, and sporting coaches, with practical advice on how to foster a nurturing environment for children, as well as how to look out for the signs of child emotional abuse.
For more information on recognising and preventing emotional abuse, and to access the ‘Safe Hearts and Minds’ online tipsheet, as well as other resources and guidance, please visit here.
To learn more about the ‘Stadium of Hope’ campaign and to buy your virtual seat, visit the website: stadiumofhope.com.au.
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Media Opportunities:
Please contact Act for Kids media and advocacy specialist Melanie Whiting on 0427 794 666 or melanie.whiting@actforkids.com.au