terrorising, corrupting, verbal abuse, and belittlement. Emotionally neglectful behaviours include the withholding of affection or attention and the failure to provide a child with the appropriate support, security or encouragement (note that these behaviours may be regarded as a form of neglect by some researchers) (Higgins, 1998; James, 1994; US National Research Council, 1993). Three recent Australian studies have estimated the prevalence of emotional maltreatment. Although the studies were all conducted with relatively large community samples, their prevalence estimates were quite different, ranging from 6% (Rosenman & Rodgers, 2004) to 17% (Price-Robertson et al., in press) (see Table 3). This large range is likely due to differences in the wording of questions. For example, Rosenman and Rodgers defined emotional maltreatment using stronger terms (e.g., "mental cruelty") than Price-Robertson and colleagues (e.g., "humiliated"). The best available evidence suggests that the prevalence rate for emotional maltreatment in Australia is 11%. More research is needed to comprehensively measure the prevalence of emotional maltreatment in Australia. The best available evidence suggests that the prevalence rate for emotional maltreatment in Australia is 11%. Table 3: Prevalence of emotional maltreatment in contemporary Australian studies "... you experienced verbal treatment from your parent/s that made you feel embarrassed, humiliated or scared (e.g., shouting, name calling, threats)". 17.1% How many Australian children witness family violence? The witnessing of family violence refers to "a child being present (hearing or seeing) while a parent or sibling is subjected to physical abuse, sexual abuse or psychological maltreatment, or is visually exposed