In 2018, 2.2% of the total disease burden in Australia was due to child abuse and neglect.
These estimates reflect the amount of burden that could have been avoided if all people in Australia were not exposed to child abuse & neglect.
This estimate attributes the mental health and injury outcomes experienced at all ages attributable to exposure during childhood. Child abuse & neglect were causally linked to anxiety disorders, depressive disorders and suicide & self-inflicted injuries (see ABDS 2018 Risk factor estimates data table).
How much burden was attributable to child abuse and neglect?
Child abuse & neglect was responsible for 27% of the total disease burden due to anxiety disorders, 26% of suicide & self-inflicted injuries burden, and 20% of depressive disorders burden.