maltreatment
/malˈtriːtm(ə)nt
/noun [mass noun]
Cruel or violent treatment of a person or animal; mistreatment: 16 per cent of children experience serious maltreatment at the hands of their parents...
- According to national newspapers he has claimed abuse and maltreatment by his captors and dismissed their claims as a fabrication.
- It includes domestic violence, child physical abuse, child sexual abuse and maltreatment of elders.
- We don't like thinking about child abuse and maltreatment.
Synonyms
ill treatment, mistreatment, abuse, ill use, ill usage, misuse, bad treatment;
rough handling, beating, mishandling, manhandling, mauling;
bullying, torture, injury, harm, persecution, molestation