During the past few decades, the attention of researchers was directed toward understanding, prevalence and the consequences of certain forms of abuse. However, results of more recent research show that certain forms of abuse are not separate and independent of other forms of maltreatment, and that exposure to only one type of abuse is an atypical phenomenon. Multiple maltreatment is defined as the child’s exposure to different forms of abuse at the same time. Data on the prevalence of multiple abuse are presented, with attention being directed to the factors which increase the risk of multiple maltreatment and psychological challenges that occur in the adult as a result of exposure to multiple abuse in childhood.

multiple maltreatment, risk factors, consequences