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 can the community better support professionals working to protect children from harm?
**Interview on Protecting Children and the Risks Faced by Caregivers**
**Date:** November 20, 2024
**Time:** 14:30
**Host:** Good afternoon, and welcome to our special segment on child protection. Today, we have with us Dr. Emily Carter, a pediatrician and child welfare advocate, to discuss the increasing violence faced by professionals who work to protect children. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Carter.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me. It’s a critical issue that needs more attention.
**Host:** To start, can you share your thoughts on why protecting children is a collective duty?
**Dr. Carter:** Protecting children is indeed a fundamental duty for society because they are the most vulnerable members of our community. As professionals—be it doctors, teachers, or social workers—we are often the first line of defense against mistreatment, neglect, or abuse. We have a responsibility not only to identify these issues but also to act on them to keep children safe.
**Host:** You mentioned a serious concern about the risks that professionals face, such as potential reprisals from families when they report concerning information. Could you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. When we report suspected abuse or neglect, we are often exposing ourselves to possible backlash from the very families we are trying to help. This can take many forms—threats, harassment, or even physical violence. Unfortunately, this reality is increasingly common and very alarming.
**Host:** Statistics show that violence against healthcare professionals has risen significantly—by 23% in 2022 alone. What implications does this trend have for child protection?
**Dr. Carter:** This rise in violence is a clear indicator of a systemic issue. When caregivers face physical or emotional threats, it creates a chilling effect. Professionals may become hesitant to report concerns for fear of retaliation, which ultimately compromises the safety of the children they are trying to protect. If we lose the ability to communicate and act on our concerns, children remain at risk.
**Host:** What changes would you like to see implemented to better protect both children and the professionals who care for them?
**Dr. Carter:** We need stronger protective measures for professionals reporting abuse. Increased support systems and legal protections must be in place to ensure that when we report a concern, we can do so without fear. Additionally, investing in training for professionals on how to handle potential backlash and fostering a community that supports reporting could also make a significant difference.
**Host:** In light of International Children’s Rights Day, what message would you like to relay to the public officials who oversee child protection policies?
**Dr. Carter:** I would urge them to recognise the true risks faced by those on the front lines of child protection and to listen to the experiences of healthcare workers and educators. We need a comprehensive approach that not only focuses on protecting children but also protects the protectors. Our goal should be to create a safe environment where we can speak out without the fear of reprisal.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Carter, for shedding light on this critical issue. It’s essential that we advocate for both children and the professionals dedicated to their wellbeing.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for highlighting this important topic. It’s time to take action for our children’s future and those who strive to protect them.
**Host:** And thank you, dear listeners, for tuning in. Let’s continue to raise awareness about the challenges in child protection and support those who dedicate their lives to this important work.
