Child maltreatment is the abuse and neglect that occurs to children under 18 years of age.

It
includes all types of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, negligence and
commercial or other exploitation, which results in actual or potential harm to the child's health, survival,
development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power.

Child abuse is a serious issue that can have devastating and long-lasting effects for its victims.
Physical injuries are just one of the many ways in which victims of abuse can suffer. Some of the physical
injuries caused by child abuse include bruises, broken bones, head trauma, lacerations, and internal
injuries.

Bruises are the most common physical injury resulting from child abuse. Bruises are caused by
blunt trauma to the body, such as a slap, punch, or kick. As such, bruises tend to appear on areas of the
body that are most likely to be struck, such as the arms, legs, and face.

Lacerations, or cuts, are another common physical injury caused by child abuse. Cuts are usually
caused by sharp objects, such as knives or broken glass. Lacerations can be deep, and may require
stitches.

Burns are also a common physical injury resulting from child abuse. Burns can be caused by
contact with heating elements, such as an iron or stove, or by contact with hot liquids or caustic
chemicals. Burns can be severe, and may cause scarring or disfigurement.

Child maltreatment can affect cognitive and academic performance and is strongly associated
with alcohol and drug abuse and smoking – key risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such
as cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

Maltreatment causes stress that is associated with disruption in early brain development.
Extreme stress can impair the development of the nervous and immune systems. Consequently, as
adults, maltreated children are at increased risk for behavioural, physical and mental health problems
such as perpetrating or being a victim of violence, depression, smoking, obesity, high-risk sexual
behaviours, unintended pregnancy, alcohol and drug misuse. Beyond the health, social and educational
consequences of child maltreatment, there is an economic impact, including costs of hospitalization,
mental health treatment, child welfare, and longer-term health costs.

It is important to emphasize that children are the victims and are never to blame for
maltreatment.