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Description
Physical child abuse is a major global public health problem according to the National Convention on the Rights of the Child. As a result, the program’s main goal is to safeguard the rights of vulnerable children through prompt recognition of suspicious cases from public officials and awareness-raising of citizens & journalists.
In Greece, rates of physical child abuse recognition are low, even though it is considered the most common type of abuse. In fact, studies indicate that 1 out of 2 children has been the victim of at least one incidence of physical abuse. Reduced detection, amongst others, stems from the lack of:
1. Structured training program for health professionals
2. Statutory detection process in pediatric care centers
3. Lack of collaboration among the agencies
ELIZA in collaboration with 11 University Pediatric Departments, 6 Medical Schools, the Ministry of Health and a network of experts will conduct 6 state-of-the-art seminars in cities with tertiary pediatric care centers (Athens, Salonika, Patras, Alexandroupolis, Ioannina, Larissa) in order to train 1.000 Public officials/health professionals and medical/ nursing students. Simultaneously, they will be trained on the Protocol which is a specialized detection tool. Additionally, awareness will be raised among 3.200.000 citizens, through TV and Social media campaign as well as distribution of 20.000 guides with practical advice for the protection and upbringing of children to parents and caretakers all over Greece. 40 journalists (TV, radio, newspapers, websites) will receive insightful information related to the protection of abused childrens’ rights. The entire program will be supported with an integral communication plan to provide publicity at a national and local level, highlighting the synergies among donating countries and the contribution of every party involved.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address:
- Low rates of physical child abuse recognition in Greece, despite its prevalence (1 in 2 children experiencing physical abuse).
- Lack of:
- Structured training programs for health professionals.
- Statutory detection processes in pediatric care centers.
- Collaboration among relevant agencies.
- Training Workshops: Conducted six workshops in major Greek cities (Athens, Thessaloniki, Alexandroupolis, Ioannina, Patras, and Larissa), training:
- 297 medical students and residents.
- 1,286 public officers, primarily physicians.
- Nationwide Awareness Campaign:
- Reached over 6.7 million citizens via TV and social media.
- Specialized Training for Journalists:
- Provided materials to 90 journalists on protecting children at risk.
- Parental Guidance:
- Distributed guides titled "Becoming a Parent Day by Day" and "Baby Shaking Syndrome" to 13,000 parents and caregivers.
Outcomes and impacts:
- Health Professionals: Improved knowledge and skills for early detection and management of suspected child abuse cases.
- Public Awareness: Increased recognition of the issue of child abuse among millions of Greek citizens.
- Journalists: Enhanced understanding of the need to protect vulnerable children, influencing public narratives.
- Parents and Caregivers: Provided tools to promote safe parenting practices and prevent harm.
Beneficiaries:
- Health professionals (medical students, residents, and physicians).
- Parents and caregivers of young children.
- The broader Greek public, through awareness campaigns.
- Vulnerable children, indirectly benefiting from increased detection and prevention efforts.