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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What specific measures can be implemented to protect healthcare professionals and educators who report suspected child abuse, and how can these measures be effectively communicated to the public?
**Interview with Dr. Emily Johnson, Child Advocacy Specialist**
*Date: November 20, 2024*
*Interviewer:* Good afternoon, Dr. Johnson. Thank you for joining us to discuss the critical yet often overlooked issue of child protection and the risks faced by those who advocate for children.
*Dr. Johnson:* Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation that we need to have more openly.
*Interviewer:* Protecting children from mistreatment, neglect, or abuse is indeed a collective duty. Can you explain how the role of healthcare professionals and educators is pivotal in this process?
*Dr. Johnson:* Absolutely. Professionals like doctors, teachers, and social workers are often the first to notice signs of abuse or neglect. They play a crucial role in identifying and reporting these cases to authorities. Their observations can make a significant difference in a child’s life, ensuring they receive the protection they need. However, this role comes with significant risks, as these individuals may face backlash from the families involved.
*Interviewer:* That’s a troubling reality. You mentioned the risks involved—can you elaborate on what these professionals face when they report their concerns?
*Dr. Johnson:* When a healthcare provider, for example, reports concerning information regarding a child, they can be met with hostility from the family. This can lead to violence directed toward these professionals. Recent statistics indicate that violence against doctors rose by 23% in 2022 alone, and this issue extends beyond medical staff to social workers and educators who are also facing increasing aggression. This kind of intimidation not only endangers their safety but can also discourage them from reporting essential information [[1](https://www.cdc.gov/child-abuse-neglect/about/index.html)].
*Interviewer:* That’s astonishing and quite alarming. On International Children’s Rights Day, what do you believe should be done to address these systemic issues and protect both children and those who advocate for them?
*Dr. Johnson:* We need stronger protections for professionals who report suspected abuse or neglect. This includes legal safeguards and support systems to encourage reporting without fear of reprisal. Additionally, public awareness campaigns can help inform communities about the signs of abuse and the importance of supporting those in caregiving roles. It’s crucial that we shift the narrative to highlight their dedication to protecting vulnerable children rather than vilifying them for their reports.
*Interviewer:* Thank you, Dr. Johnson, for shedding light on this vital issue. It’s clear that while the protection of children is paramount, we must also ensure the safety and support of those who take on this crucial role.
*Dr. Johnson:* Thank you for bringing attention to this issue. Together, we can advocate for both children and the professionals dedicated to their care.