Table.1 Retrospectively reported* childhood abuse: definition of different types, representative variables and prevalence in the 1958 British birth cohort

Physical abuse

(0–16 years)

Intentional use of physical force or implements against a child that results in, or has the potential to result in, physical injury.

I was physically abused by a parent—punched, kicked or hit or beaten with an object or needed medical treatment

562 (6.04)

Psychological abuse^b

(0–16 years)

Intentional behaviour that conveys to a child that s/he is worthless, flawed, unloved, unwanted, endangered or valued only in meeting another’s needs.

UK definition^c includes harmful (unintentional) parent-child interactions: ‘the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development’

- I was verbally abused by a parent (or parent-figure)

- I suffered humiliation, ridicule, bullying or mental cruelty from a parent (or parent-figure)

- Mother (or mother-figure) and father (or father-figure) were not at all affectionate

1000 (10.7)

Witnessing abuse

(0–16 years)

Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between intimate partners or adult family members, irrespective of sex or sexuality.

I witnessed physical or sexual abuse of others in my family

559 (6.01)

Sexual abuse

(0–16 years)

Any completed or attempted sexual act, sexual contact or non-contact sexual interaction with a child by a caregiver.

I was sexually abused by a parent (or parent-figure)

149 (1.60)

Any abuse

(0–16 years)

Experiencing at least one of physical, psychological, witnessing or sexual abuse (as described above)

1381 (14.8)