Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day
Why emotional abuse in Australia deserves our attention now more than ever
In the lead up to Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day on 7 May, it feels especially important to pause and reflect on a growing issue impacting families across Australia -childhood emotional abuse.
Recent insights from the Australian Institute of Family Studies highlight that emotional abuse toward children is not only prevalent, but increasing.
What the research tells us
In 2023, findings from the landmark Australian Child Maltreatment Study were released. This was the first national study of its kind, designed to understand how widespread child maltreatment is across Australia, and importantly, how deeply emotional abuse is affecting young people.
The results are confronting.
- 34.6% of Australians aged 16–24 reported experiencing childhood emotional abuse
- Emotional abuse most often occurs over a period of years, not as isolated incidents
- Girls are 1.5% more likely to experience emotional abuse
- Experiences of hostility and rejection have increased over the past decade
- Children who experience maltreatment are significantly more likely to develop mental health disorders, risk behaviours, and require ongoing healthcare support
- Notably, emotional abuse is considered as harmful as, or even more harmful than sexual abuse
These statistics are difficult to read, but they are critical to acknowledge.
What is emotional abuse?
Emotional abuse can be hard to define because it often isn’t visible.
Broadly, it includes patterns of behaviour from a parent or caregiver that communicate to a child that they are:
- worthless
- unloved or unwanted
- only valued for meeting someone else’s needs
The study identified three of the most common forms:
- verbal hostility
- rejection
- withholding emotional responsiveness
These behaviours can be subtle, repeated, and deeply impactful over time.
Why is this happening?
The conversation around emotional abuse is evolving, and so is our understanding of why it occurs.
Many experts acknowledge that families today are under more pressure than ever before. Rising cost of living, emotional burnout, and competing demands are taking a toll.
For some parents, their own unresolved childhood experiences or trauma can also play a role, often unintentionally repeating cycles that were never addressed.
None of this excuses harmful behaviour, but it does highlight that this is a complex, human issue that requires compassion, awareness, and support.
Breaking the cycle
Addressing emotional abuse isn’t simple. It requires a multi-faceted approach, starting with awareness and acknowledgement.
It also requires support, not just for children, but for parents and families navigating stress, separation, and life transitions.
Where family law fits in
Family law matters, even when handled outside of Court, can be incredibly stressful. Uncertainty around finances, parenting arrangements, and the future can heighten emotions and tension between parties.
We recognise that these pressures can have flow-on effects for children.
At Parker Coles Curtis, our role extends beyond legal advice... we:
- support clients through the emotional realities of separation
- connect families with non-legal professionals and support services
- help create pathways that prioritise the wellbeing of children.
As a trauma-informed practice, we take a compassionate, client-centred approach, because behind every matter is a family navigating change.