Role of medical practitioners in prevention and investigation of violence against children, and need to strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation in Latvia

Abstract

The role of medical practitioners in preventing violence is evident; however, it is not as simple as it looks, as medicsconsider medical assistance and treatment as their primary work mission. At the same time, as any other citizen, theyare obliged to report violence, thereby helping to prevent it. The methodology employed in this study encompasseda review of legal frameworks and literature, open interviews with medical practitioners, and a meticulous analysis ofinternal documents and data systems. By synthesizing these methods, the research gained valuable insights into thechallenges faced by medical professionals in preventing violence and identified opportunities for enhancing coopera-tion within the healthcare system. This comprehensive approach facilitated a nuanced exploration of the integrationof legislative aspects into the daily routines of medical practitioners to advance the implementation of the Barnahusmodel in Latvia. The article gives insights into key existing documents and provides a detailed study of the availableinternal documents, data systems (patients’ electronic cards) and guidelines (recognition, recording and reporting ofviolence), with a view to understanding the importance of internal processes in order to identify and retain evidence.As regards the integration of legislative aspects into their daily routine, institutions need an effective internal processand guidelines which make it easy to record the fact of violence and evidence during the daily routine of professionals.Emphasis is also placed on increasing the cooperation and prevention role of medical practitioners, so that Latvia cansuccessfully implement the Barnahus model.