Child abuse prevalence estimates in Canada; comparisons of nationally representative data from 2012 to 2022: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND

Up-to-date nationally representative Canadian statistics on child abuse with a focus on sex, sexual identity, and age cohorts are overdue. The objective of the current study was to examine child abuse prevalence estimates (physical abuse, sexual abuse, exposure to intimate partner violence (EIPV), and any child abuse) among adult Canadians, associations with sex (male or female), sexual identity (heterosexual, lesbian or gay, bisexual, or other), and age cohort, and to compare data from 2022 with 2012.

METHODS

Data were obtained from two Statistics Canada cross-sectional surveys: 1) the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health (2012 CCHS-MH; n = 23,395; 18+ years) and 2) the 2022 Mental Health and Access to Care (2022 MHACS; n = 9409; 18+ years).

FINDINGS

The prevalence of any child abuse in Canada in 2022 was 34.4%, which was significantly higher compared to 2012 (32.1%; p = 0.006). Among the youngest respondents (18-27 years), the prevalence of any child abuse had also increased from 21.7% in 2012 to 26.8% in 2022 (p = 0.002). Sex and age cohort differences were noted. In addition, those identifying as other than heterosexual generally had increased odds of child abuse experiences (Adjusted Odds Ratios ranging from 1.48 to 3.12).

INTERPRETATION

The retrospective self-reported prevalence in 2022 was 2.3 percentage points higher compared to 2012. There continues to be a widespread need to develop approaches focusing on child abuse prevention and response, and to ensure that providers receive training in how to recognize and respond safely to family violence, including child abuse.

FUNDING

Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Canada Research Chair.