2024-11-20 14:30:00
Protecting children is a fundamental collective duty. Every day, thousands of professionals work to identify and report cases of mistreatment, neglect or abuse. Doctors, teachers, social workers: they all play a crucial role in protecting those who cannot defend themselves. However, these women and men, who watch over children, are themselves vulnerable when they fulfill this mission.
Indeed, the commitment of health and child care professionals to the protection of minors is an essential but risky responsibility. When doctors choose to send “concerning information” (PI) to the competent authorities to alert them of a potential danger concerning a minor, they themselves expose themselves to reprisals from the family circle. This reality, although little known, is increasingly common and alarming. On the occasion of the International Children’s Rights Daywe wish to alert the public authorities to the dysfunctions of this system.
In 2022, violence against doctors increased by 23% compared to the previous year, according to the National Council of the Order of Physicians. And this scourge does not stop with caregivers: social workers, educators, teachers, all face an escalation of violence that compromises their commitment.
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This figure reveals a deep crisis. The increase in physical and verbal attacks, particularly following reports of abuse, highlights the lack of protection enjoyed by health and child care professionals who are on the front line defending the interests of children in danger.
A trap
Let’s take the example of a general practitioner confronted with a case of mistreatment. Although convinced of the urgency of protecting the child, she knows that transmitting “worrying information” could attract reprisals from the family concerned. Should she risk her personal safety to save this child or stay silent at the cost of allowing a dangerous situation to continue?
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The current legislative framework, governed by the code of social action and families, requires doctors to transmit worrying information, without anonymity. However, this transparency, designed to ensure the traceability of reports, becomes a trap when doctors are threatened. Although a 2013 text regulates the procedure, it offers no real protection to those who choose to denounce worrying situations.
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How does the fear of retaliation affect the reporting of child abuse by healthcare and social work professionals?
**Interview on the Risks Facing Child Protection Professionals**
**Date:** November 20, 2024
**Location:** Studio 5, Community Radio
**Host:** Welcome to our special segment on child protection. Today, we’re discussing the alarming increase in violence against professionals who protect children. With us is Dr. Sophie Martin, a pediatrician and child protection advocate. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Martin.
**Dr. Martin:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to shed light on this issue.
**Host:** To start, can you explain the risks that doctors and social workers face when they report suspected child abuse?
**Dr. Martin:** Certainly. Reporting child abuse or neglect is a critical responsibility for healthcare professionals and social workers. However, when we send “concerning information” to authorities, we can expose ourselves to backlash from the family involved. This could range from verbal threats to physical violence. The reality is, while we aim to protect the child, our safety can be at risk, as highlighted by the 23% increase in reported violence against medical professionals just last year [[1](https://www.fmfpro.org/violence-contre-les-medecins-une-situation-alarmante-et-inacceptable/)].
**Host:** That’s very concerning. What impact does this violence have on professionals in the field?
**Dr. Martin:** The repercussions are significant. The fear of retaliation can lead to less reporting of child abuse, which ultimately places children at greater risk. Moreover, it affects the mental health of caregivers who may already be under stress from their demanding roles. This cycle can discourage professionals from taking necessary actions, undermining their commitment to protect vulnerable minors [[1](https://www.unicef.org/protection/violence-against-children)].
**Host:** What steps do you believe authorities should take to better protect these professionals?
**Dr. Martin:** There needs to be a systematic response that includes providing legal protections for whistleblowers and ensuring that professionals have access to support and counseling after incidents of violence. Furthermore, training programs that prepare professionals for potential backlash could be incredibly beneficial. We also need to raise public awareness about the importance of child protection work to foster a supportive environment for these caregivers [[1](https://www.unicef.org/protection/violence-against-children)].
**Host:** Your insights are invaluable, Dr. Martin. What can the public do to help?
**Dr. Martin:** Advocacy is key. The public can help by raising awareness about the challenges faced by professionals in children’s services and supporting policies that protect both the children and those who advocate for them. This includes recognizing the signs of abuse and not hesitating to report suspicions. Together, we can create a safer environment for our children and those who protect them [[1](https://www.unicef.org/protection/violence-against-children)].
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Martin, for sharing your thoughts on this critical issue. It’s a complex challenge, but one we must face together.
**Dr. Martin:** Thank you for bringing attention to it. Every child deserves protection, and it’s a collective responsibility.
**Host:** This has been an enlightening discussion on the protection of children and the professionals dedicated to their safety. We hope to see improvements in the systems that support you in your vital work.
Be sure to stay tuned as we continue to cover topics related to child welfare and rights.
