Managing Child Abuse and Neglect Cases: Healthcare Professionals’ Experience at Hospital Child Protection Unit, The Children Hospital Lahore
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21649/akemu.v31i4.6108Keywords:
Child abuse, healthcare professionals, systemic barriers, child protection, qualitative studyAbstract
Background: Child abuse is a serious social health concern on the global stage, with serious physical and psychological outcomes. However, it is usually underreported.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine experiences of healthcare professionals working in the Children’s Hospital Lahore (CHL) during child abuse cases management, outline challenges, and suggest feasible solutions that could enhance child protection initiatives.
Methods: Qualitative research was done in CHL between November 14 and December 7, 2024. A total of nine healthcare professionals representing different departments and at least one year of experience in dealing with child abuse cases were the ones involved. The data were gathered in terms of in-depth, video-recorded interviews on a semi-structured guide. Thematic analysis was used and was developed using open coding and triangulation to ascertain their validity and reliability.
Results: Every participant said that they had experienced cases of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Among the major challenges reported were operational such as delayed presentation and fear of retaliation by the perpetrators, systemic such as overworked staff and lack of medico-legal training and parental interference due to shame of the family or fear of future of the child. Regarding solutions, the participants emphasized the necessity of education and awareness in the form of public campaigns, better communication between parents and children, and health professionals, as well as systematic measures, including better training of healthcare providers, better coordination with child protection units, and improved legal mechanisms to achieve justice and accountability. Families were also advised to receive economic support to minimise child labour and elimination of abuse.
Conclusion: Enhancing education and awareness, improving communication, and systemic changes are necessary to improve the management of child abuse cases at the CHL.
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