The World Health Organization (WHO) defines child abuse and maltreatment as “all forms of physical and emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, and commercial exploitation that results in actual or potential harm to a child’s health, survival, development or dignity...” (OMS 2002). Statistics show that child abuse and neglect is rising at an alarming rate. Due to an increase in the number of such cases, the Italian Minister of Health has defined the phenomenon of abuse and violence against minors as a health problem, and not only a social or, safety issue. Such events are complex in nature and require the expertise of various disciplines. In order to ascertain if abuse was indeed perpetrated on a minor, careful verification of the facts is required, as well as an objective “legal-medical” examination. The only suitable means for tackling this task is teamwork. One very important resource to consider is the registered nurse, who is often the first health care worker to come into contact with the presumed victim. By spending time with these young patients, it is easier for a forensic nurse to take on the role of “confidant” while at the same time looking out for unusual behaviors, or any signs of physical abuse such as lesions or burns.
The role of forensic nursing in evaluating and diagnosing child abuse and neglect in Italy
GRATTAGLIANO, IGNAZIO;Biagio Solarino;
2013-01-01
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines child abuse and maltreatment as “all forms of physical and emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, and commercial exploitation that results in actual or potential harm to a child’s health, survival, development or dignity...” (OMS 2002). Statistics show that child abuse and neglect is rising at an alarming rate. Due to an increase in the number of such cases, the Italian Minister of Health has defined the phenomenon of abuse and violence against minors as a health problem, and not only a social or, safety issue. Such events are complex in nature and require the expertise of various disciplines. In order to ascertain if abuse was indeed perpetrated on a minor, careful verification of the facts is required, as well as an objective “legal-medical” examination. The only suitable means for tackling this task is teamwork. One very important resource to consider is the registered nurse, who is often the first health care worker to come into contact with the presumed victim. By spending time with these young patients, it is easier for a forensic nurse to take on the role of “confidant” while at the same time looking out for unusual behaviors, or any signs of physical abuse such as lesions or burns.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
