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 strategies can be implemented to mitigate the risks faced by professionals reporting child abuse and neglect in their communities?
**Interview on Protecting Children and the Risks Faced by Caregivers**
**Host:** Welcome to our segment on child protection. Today, we have an esteemed guest, Dr. Marie Lefèvre, a pediatrician and child welfare advocate who has been at the forefront of child protection efforts. Dr. Lefèvre, thank you for joining us today.
**Dr. Lefèvre:** Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Dr. Lefèvre, as you know, protecting children from abuse and neglect is a critical societal responsibility. Can you share what steps professionals like yourself take to identify and report cases of mistreatment?
**Dr. Lefèvre:** Absolutely. As healthcare providers, we are trained to recognize the signs of abuse and neglect. This includes physical signs, behavioral changes in the children, and even clues in their environment. Once we identify potential issues, we are obligated to report our concerns to the appropriate authorities who can conduct further investigations. This duty is crucial for the safety and well-being of the child.
**Host:** That’s certainly a courageous undertaking. However, we’ve seen reports indicating that professionals who report abuse often face reprisals from families. Can you elaborate on this alarming trend?
**Dr. Lefèvre:** Yes, unfortunately, it’s becoming a more common issue. When professionals like doctors report concerns, they sometimes face hostility or retaliation from the very families they are trying to help. This creates a significant barrier to effective child protection and can deter others from reporting serious concerns altogether. In fact, the National Council of the Order of Physicians reported a 23% increase in violence against doctors in 2022, a trend that also affects social workers, teachers, and others dedicated to child care [[1](https://www.cdc.gov/child-abuse-neglect/prevention/index.html)].
**Host:** It sounds like the risks are substantial. How can public authorities and the community help protect both children and the professionals who advocate for them?
**Dr. Lefèvre:** First, there needs to be greater awareness of the challenges faced by caregivers. Public authorities should provide more support and protection for professionals who report abuse. This could include legal protections, support networks, and crisis management resources. Additionally, we need to foster a community culture that prioritizes child welfare and protects those who serve to defend vulnerable children. Stronger partnerships between healthcare providers, educators, and social services can also enhance our collective ability to safeguard children without compromising the safety of caregivers.
**Host:** Very insightful, Dr. Lefèvre. It’s clear that protecting children and those who protect them is a shared responsibility that requires coordinated action. Do you have a final message for our viewers?
**Dr. Lefèvre:** Yes. I urge everyone to be vigilant and proactive in supporting child protection efforts. If you see something concerning, don’t hesitate to speak out. Children depend on us, and together, we can create a safer environment for them and for those who care for them.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Lefèvre, for sharing your valuable insights with us. This dialog is essential as we work towards a safer future for our children.
**Dr. Lefèvre:** Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure.
