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absence of care

When a child’s basic, emotional and developmental needs are not met.

Neglect occurs when a child does not receive the care, attention, and emotional support necessary for healthy development.

This can include a lack of responsiveness, supervision, emotional connection, or consistent care.

Over time, neglect can lead to feelings of abandonment, insecurity, and difficulty forming healthy relationships.

Neglect is not always visible, but its absence is deeply felt, shaping a child’s safety, development, and sense of worth.

  • Neglect of emotional support, care, and consistent connection leads to long-term impacts on development, attachment, and sense of safety.
Issues We Face
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Hidden Scars

How mental abuse and neglect shape the way
children feel, think, trust, and grow.

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Emotional Abuse

Harms a child’s sense of self, security, and belonging. It often comes from those closest to them, leaving invisible, long-lasting scars.

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Psychological Abuse

Affects how a child thinks, processes the world, and makes sense of themselves. Its impact can be deep and long-lasting, often hidden from view.

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Neglect

Deprives a child of the care, attention, and support they need to grow safely and confidently. Its impact can shape every aspect of their development.

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2023 Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS).

Mental abuse is strongly linked to major depressive and anxiety disorders, substance dependence,
self-harm, and suicide attempts.

In Australia in 2023‑24, 57% of children with substantiated maltreatment had mental abuse
recorded as the primary type of abuse. (AIHW)

Report your concerns

If you suspect a child is at risk, report it to your state authorities.