Childhood emotional abuse: a growing concern
Childhood emotional abuse is a significant and growing concern in Australia. The 2023 Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS) provided the first national picture of child maltreatment and found that 34.6% of Australians aged 16–24 had experienced childhood emotional abuse, with prevalence substantially higher among girls (40.5%) than boys (26.9%).¹
Emotional abuse can take many forms. While there is no single definition, it is generally understood as behaviour by a parent or caregiver that communicates to a child that they are worthless, unloved, unwanted or valued primarily for meeting another person's needs.²
The ACMS examined a range of maltreatment experiences, including verbal hostility, rejection and denial of emotional responsiveness. The study found that emotional abuse remains prevalent, with hostility and rejection increasing across generations.¹
Importantly, the impact can be profound. Children who experience maltreatment are substantially more likely to experience mental health disorders, engage in risk behaviours and require contact with health services. Emotional abuse and sexual abuse were the forms of maltreatment most strongly associated with harmful outcomes.¹
The pressures facing parents
There are a range of factors that may place additional pressure on parents and increase the risk of emotionally harmful parenting. Parental stress and burnout, financial pressures and relationship difficulties can affect a parent's capacity to respond to their child in healthy and supportive ways.²
A parent's own childhood experiences may also influence how they parent, particularly during periods of heightened stress. Patterns of parenting can be passed between generations, highlighting the importance of recognising and addressing harmful behaviours rather than allowing them to continue.²
Addressing emotional abuse is not simple. One of the first steps is recognising when a parent's behaviour may be having a harmful impact on their child and seeking appropriate support.
Separation and family law conflict
Separation can create another layer of stress for families. Family Law disputes often involve uncertainty around finances, living arrangements and the care of children. Even where a matter does not proceed to Court, the process can increase tension between parents and, at times, result in conflict or emotionally harmful behaviour occurring in a child's presence.
Parents may not intend to cause harm. However, children can still be affected by what they see, hear and experience during periods of parental conflict.
The Family Law Act 1975 places the best interests of children at the centre of parenting decisions. In determining those best interests, the Court must consider arrangements that promote a child's safety, including protection from being subjected to or exposed to family violence, abuse, neglect or other harm. The Court must also consider the child's developmental, psychological and emotional needs.³
Supporting families through separation
At Parker Coles Curtis, we recognise that family law is about more than resolving legal issues. Separation is a significant transition for the whole family, and the way parents navigate that transition can have a lasting impact on children.
Alongside our legal services, we can assist clients to access appropriate non-legal professionals and support services. These services can help parents manage stress, develop constructive communication strategies and support their children through the challenges of separation.
As a trauma-informed practice, we take an empathetic, client-centred approach to supporting families through these transitions. Our aim is not only to assist clients through the legal process, but to help families navigate separation with care, understanding and a focus on the wellbeing of their children.
Sources
1. Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS), 2023
Mathews, B. et al., The prevalence of child maltreatment in Australia: findings from a national survey, Medical Journal of Australia, 2023. Australian Child Maltreatment Study — Findings
2. Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS), 2025
Preventing childhood emotional abuse: Prioritising action. AIFS — Preventing childhood emotional abuse: Prioritising action
3. Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), ss 60CA and 60CC
Section 60CA provides that, when deciding whether to make a parenting order, the Court must regard the child's best interests as the paramount consideration. Section 60CC requires the Court to consider, among other matters, arrangements that promote the child's safety from family violence, abuse, neglect or other harm, as well as the child's developmental, psychological and emotional needs. Family Law Act 1975 — Federal Register of Legislation