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 training programs are available to help health and child care professionals cope with the risks associated with reporting suspected child abuse or neglect?
**Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Child Welfare Advocate**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. The issue of child protection is often viewed as a noble endeavor, but as you’ve seen, it comes with significant risks for those involved. Can you explain what challenges health and child care professionals face when they report suspected abuse or neglect?
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me. Yes, the challenges are quite profound. When doctors, teachers, or social workers report suspected child abuse, they are often met with hostility from the families involved. This can include verbal abuse, intimidation, or even physical threats. The numbers are startling; in 2022, reports indicated a 23% increase in violence against medical professionals who fulfill this duty [[1](https://www.cdc.gov/child-abuse-neglect/prevention/index.html)]. These professionals are dedicated to their roles, yet they find themselves at risk for simply trying to protect vulnerable children.
**Interviewer:** That sounds incredibly alarming. What can be done to safeguard these caregivers while they are fulfilling their responsibilities?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s crucial that we implement protective measures for these frontline workers. This includes training programs that prepare them for possible backlash and establishing support systems that enable them to report concerns without fear. Furthermore, raising public awareness about the vital role these professionals play and the risks they face could help foster a more supportive environment. Initiatives like the “Parents Raising Safe Kids” program are essential in promoting positive parenting skills and creating safer home environments [[1](https://www.cdc.gov/child-abuse-neglect/prevention/index.html)].
**Interviewer:** Given these pressures, do you think current policies sufficiently protect those who report child abuse?
**Dr. Carter:** Unfortunately, many don’t. While there are laws in place to protect whistleblowers, the fear of reprisal still looms large in the minds of many professionals. It’s imperative that we advocate for stronger legal protections and possibly create a dedicated task force to address the safety of these individuals. On International Children’s Rights Day, it’s essential to highlight these dysfunctions and advocate for changes that support both the protection of children and the professionals who advocate for them.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Carter. Your insights are invaluable, and it’s clear that both child safety and caregiver protection must go hand in hand. We appreciate your dedication to this critical issue.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for shedding light on this matter. Together, we can work towards a safer environment for both children and those who protect them.
