Childhood maltreatment is linked to 40% of mental health conditions in Australia.

The study connects 41% of suicide attempts and 35% of self-harm incidents to past child abuse.

Preventing childhood maltreatment could avoid over 1.8 million cases of mental disorders.

Researchers advocate for policy measures like paid parental leave to lower child maltreatment.

Childhood abuse and neglect should be a public health priority, the study argues.

The research utilized international and twin studies to isolate the effects of genetics.