WHO: Child Maltreatment Widespread, Causing Lifelong Harm
Six in 10 children under five years old regularly experience physical and/or psychological violence from parents and caregivers, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The organization also reported that one in five women and one in seven men have experienced sexual violence in childhood.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released data indicating that child maltreatment is a widespread issue with severe, lifelong consequences.
The report highlights that six out of 10 children under the age of five, totaling 400 million children globally, are subjected to regular physical or psychological violence by parents and caregivers. Furthermore, one in five women and one in seven men have experienced sexual violence during their childhood.
Child maltreatment can lead to significant long-term physical and mental health problems for children, including psychiatric disorders, depression, and physical injuries. It can also impede learning and social development. Individuals who have experienced maltreatment are also at a higher risk of engaging in violent behavior as adults, potentially perpetuating a cycle of violence across generations.
WHO emphasizes that child maltreatment is often a hidden issue, with only a small fraction of victims receiving help from official support services. However, the organization asserts that child maltreatment is preventable. Effective preventive measures include supporting parents, promoting positive parenting skills, and developing legislation that prohibits violent forms of punishment.