Child abuse and neglect: its perception by those who work with children

Abstract

School physicians, social workers and teachers were evaluated to assess their perceptions of child maltreatment, knowledge of its predictors, ability to identify indicators of abuse and neglect, and their reporting intentions. Of these, school physicians had a significantly higher perception and showed greater capability of identifying indicators of maltreatment and better reporting intentions. However, the knowledge of all professionals regarding predictors of child maltreatment was deficient: only two factors, marital and family problems and parental psychoactive substance abuse, were recognized by more than 80% of them. A training programme for professionals working with children is recommended. Such a programme should also motivate professionals to report cases. Policy-makers should consider legislation mandating the reporting of cases of maltreatment and ensuring sufficient protection to the reporters