The Effect of Childhood Maltreatment on Brain Development

Childhood maltreatment can be defined as any acts of commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver that result in harm, potential for harm or threat of harm to a child. These acts do not have to be intentional in order to be classed as maltreatment. Acts of commission include various forms of abuse: physical, emotional or sexual abuse. Children often experience multiple types of maltreatment.