PAEDIATRICIANS' EXPERIENCES, ATTITUDE AND KNOWLEDGE REGARDING CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN INDIA

Dr.Nilofer Mujawar; Dr. Naina Chakravarty

Volume : VII, Issue : XI, November - 2018

PAEDIATRICIANS' EXPERIENCES, ATTITUDE AND KNOWLEDGE REGARDING CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN INDIA

Dr. Nilofer Mujawar, Dr. Naina Chakravarty

Abstract :

Article 3 of The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states that �the best interests of children must be the primary concern in making decisions that may affect them. All adults should do what is best for children. When adults make decisions, they should think about how their decisions will affect the children under their care.� Paediatricians are at a privileged position of effecting change in the lives of the numerous children they come in contact with, not only towards their physical but also mental, social and sexual health. This makes it their responsibility to not only identify but also take steps to help any child they feel might be suffering from abuse or neglect. Child abuse is defined as any form of physical, emotional and/or sexual mistreatment or lack of care that causes injury or emotional damage to a child or youth. This study aims to analyse the paediatricians� knowledge regarding this sensitive yet widely prevalent issue by analysing questionnaires sent to them, their attitude and experiences and factors that might be preventing them from reporting these cases, thereby preventing effective action.