Child abuse and neglect is a significant global problem with a serious impact on the victims' physical and mental health, well-being and development throughout their lives - and, by extension, on society in general. Many existing prevention efforts consist of the prevention and early identification of cases of child maltreatment and interventions to protect the children involved. Nurses interact with children and their families and caregivers at all levels of healthcare. They educate people, intervene in primary care and institutional settings, and provide services to help children and their families. It is important for nurses to have a clear understanding of what child abuse and neglect are, how to identify risk factors and how to intervene to provide competent and comprehensive healthcare for children who are at risk for or have experienced child abuse and neglect. Any nurse, who has direct or indirect contact with children, must be able to identify children who are vulnerable and at risk, and act accordingly. Nurses therefore require adequate educational preparation to equip them with the required knowledge, skills and attitudes to manage child maltreatment effectively.