Prevalence of intrafamilial child maltreatment in a school in Quito, Ecuador

Introduction Intrafamilial child maltreatment poses a serious risk to children's and adolescents' physical, psychological, and sexual integrity. This study analyzed the prevalence of this phenomenon among students of the Enrique Proaño Educational Institution in Quito, Ecuador, during the 2024–2025 period. Methods A quantitative, descriptive design was used to assess the dimensions of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect, considering the involvement of maternal and paternal figures. Results Physical abuse showed the highest prevalence among the maltreatment types assessed, followed by moderate levels of neglect. Psychological abuse occurred less frequently but remains a significant concern, and sexual abuse, although low in prevalence, was still present. The maternal figure was more frequently associated with neglect, whereas the paternal figure was more often linked to physical abuse. Discussion These patterns highlight the need for prevention and intervention strategies tailored to both the type of maltreatment and the parental figure involved.