Abstract
In France, maltreatment of children, that mean “physical, sexual or emotional maltreatment, or neglect of a child” is a very underestimated phenomenon, yet it is running rampant. The various causes of child abuse are subject to denial, and the ensuing delay of identification of victims is profoundly damaging. As a medical doctor and survivor of child abuse, I have a clear vision of the shortcomings of our child protection system. Non-recognition or late recognition of cases of child abuse is directly related to a lack of knowledge and training on this subject, which leads to weaknesses both in terms of detection and reporting of potential cases. Once the children are identified, they need to receive proper care that should not be limited to the social aspects. Indeed, the victims of abuse suffer from important repercussions on their physical and mental health. Without proper care, their health as adults will be severely impacted. These children require specific care and an adapted health care pack, as well as inclusion in the child protection framework. The task force “Child health in child protection” that I manage has suggested the creation of a standardized healthcare protocol for child victims of abuse, with psychological and medical costs fully covered by the Government, especially regarding clinical psychologists and psycho-motor therapists.
Highlights
Maltreatment of children, defined as any act or series of acts of commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child, is probably the most underestimated and overlooked form of abuse
According to international literature and a recent set of articles published in The Lancet, 10% of children are victims of abuse and neglect in countries with high income [1], representing a major public-health and social-welfare problem
The difficulty encountered in identifying child abuse or neglect in well-off families is due to the fact that its members will have sufficient knowledge of the system to avoid being identified. It is well-documented that it is difficult for healthcare professionals to report a victim of child abuse that belongs to their same social class [3]
Summary
Maltreatment of children, defined as any act or series of acts of commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child, is probably the most underestimated and overlooked form of abuse. It is well-documented that it is difficult for healthcare professionals to report a victim of child abuse that belongs to their same social class [3].
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