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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According to Dr. Gonzalez, what measures can be implemented to better protect both children and the professionals who advocate for their welfare?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Gonzalez, Child Welfare Advocate**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Gonzalez. In light of the recent findings regarding violence against children and the alarming increase in violence against professionals who care for these vulnerable populations, what can you say about the current climate for those working to protect children?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Thank you for having me. It’s a pressing issue that requires our urgent attention. As we know, violence against children is extensive, affecting over a billion children globally each year, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse [[1](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-children)]. Unfortunately, the professionals tasked with protecting these children—doctors, teachers, social workers—are increasingly becoming targets of violence themselves.
**Interviewer:** That’s incredibly concerning. You mentioned that these caregivers often face reprisals when they report suspected abuse. Can you elaborate on this?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Absolutely. Many professionals feel compelled to report concerning information about a child’s welfare, yet doing so can expose them to threats from family members of the children. This retaliatory violence is not a new phenomenon, but it has become more pronounced and distressing. Such reprisals can lead to a chilling effect, where caregivers may hesitate to report potential abuse, ultimately putting children at greater risk.
**Interviewer:** The statistics you mentioned are troubling. According to the National Council of the Order of Physicians, incidents of violence against medical professionals increased by 23% last year. What do you believe is driving this trend?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Several factors contribute to this increase. There’s a growing frustration within communities regarding the systems in place for child protection and healthcare. Some parents feel threatened by investigations, viewing caregivers as adversaries rather than allies in ensuring their child’s safety. This creates a hostile environment where professionals face aggression instead of support. It’s imperative that we foster a better understanding in the community about the roles of these professionals.
**Interviewer:** What steps do you think should be taken to protect both children and those who care for them?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** First and foremost, we need to strengthen legal protections for professionals reporting abuse. There should be clear policies that safeguard their identities and ensure they are not ostracized or harmed for coming forward. Additionally, there needs to be more training and resources available to help professionals handle these situations safely and effectively. Lastly, community awareness campaigns can help build trust and collaborative relationships between families and child welfare advocates.
**Interviewer:** As we approach International Children’s Rights Day, what message would you like to convey to the public?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** I implore everyone to recognize that protecting our children is a collective responsibility. We must support those on the front lines who are dedicated to this cause and understand the immense risks they face. Only through cooperation and understanding can we create a safe environment for our children and empower the professionals who work tirelessly to protect them.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Gonzalez, for your insights on this critical issue. We hope to see positive changes for both children and the caregivers dedicated to their welfare.
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Thank you for shining a light on this important topic.
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This interview highlights the challenges faced by child welfare professionals in the context of increasing violence and the vital need for systemic support and community understanding amidst these alarming statistics.