Accumulation of violence and victimisation: Why it matters to measure broadly and account for different harm types

We explore how researchers have focused on the accumulation of harm. We then provide some examples, drawing on the comprehensive study of a nationally representative sample-the Australian Child Maltreatment Study-to understand the prevalence, impact, and value of measuring and analysing multiple forms of harm. First, we examine maltreatment intensity in care-experienced individuals and how that helps explain the links to long-term mental health outcomes. We then explore how multiple advertises in children's environment increases the risk of alcohol use problems in young adults. We then explore the higher rates of multi-type maltreatment in sexuality and gender diverse Australians. Finally, we look at how focusing just on sexual harm from adults misses important victimisation experiences: understanding sexual harassment and harmful sexual behaviour from peers.