maltreatment vs abuse

maltreatment and abuse both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
maltreatment	Yes	No	No	No
abuse	Yes	No	Yes	No

As nouns, maltreatment and abuse are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of maltreatment include ill-treatment, ill-usage.

maltreatment (noun)	abuse (noun)
cruel or inhumane treatment	improper or excessive use
	cruel or inhumane treatment
	a rude expression intended to offend or hurt

maltreatment (verb)	abuse (verb)
	change the inherent purpose or function of something
	use wrongly or improperly or excessively
	use foul or abusive language towards
	treat badly