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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**Interview with Dr. Emilie Garnier, Pediatrician and Child Protection Advocate**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Garnier. As we commemorate International Children’s Rights Day, we’re reminded of the critical role professionals like you play in protecting vulnerable children. However, we’ve seen a concerning rise in violence against caregivers. Can you shed some light on this issue?
**Dr. Garnier:** Thank you for having me. Yes, the increase in violence against medical and child care professionals has become alarming. In 2022, we saw a 23% rise in violence against doctors compared to the previous year, according to the National Council of the Order of Physicians. This is not just a statistic; it represents real human experiences where dedicated professionals face threats and aggression for simply doing their job—protecting children.
**Interviewer:** What are some factors contributing to this rise in violence against professionals who report child abuse or neglect?
**Dr. Garnier:** One significant factor is the intense emotional and social dynamics surrounding cases of suspected abuse. When professionals like doctors or social workers report concerns about a child’s wellbeing, they often face backlash from the family involved. This retaliation can create a chilling effect, deterring professionals from reporting necessary concerns out of fear for their safety.
**Interviewer:** That sounds incredibly challenging. What measures do you think need to be implemented to protect these professionals better?
**Dr. Garnier:** First, we need comprehensive support systems for those in child protection roles. This could include training on how to handle violent situations, legal protections against retaliation, and strong institutional backing that reassures professionals they will not stand alone when making difficult decisions. Furthermore, increasing public awareness about the importance of these roles might help in fostering a culture of respect and support for their critical work.
**Interviewer:** On a broader scale, how can society better protect children from violence and ensure the safety of those who advocate for them?
**Dr. Garnier:** Protecting children is a collective duty. We need to strengthen community awareness and involvement, create safe reporting mechanisms, and ensure that our policies empower and protect those who work in child welfare. It is also essential to provide resources to families to prevent cases of abuse from happening in the first place. Engaging with families, educating them about child rights, and providing support networks can make a significant difference.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Garnier. Your insights highlight the intersection of child safety and the welfare of professionals dedicated to this cause. Any final thoughts as we observe International Children’s Rights Day?
**Dr. Garnier:** I’d like to emphasize the urgency of this situation. We cannot turn a blind eye to the risks that child advocates face. It’s crucial for all of us—professionals, policymakers, and the public—to stand together, support these caregivers, and ensure that children receive the protection they deserve. Only together can we truly work towards ending violence against children and those who protect them.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your time and for sharing your insights on this vital issue.
