* Dr . Ritu Jindal ** Dr . Rohini Dua *** Dr . Anupriya Sikri The Journal **** Dr . Aanchal Gautam
Detecting child abuse : Knowledge and attitude among dental care providers in Punjab
Background : Child abuse and neglect is a serious global health issue which not only affects the victims ’ physical and mental health but also , by extension , on society in general . Each year , however , millions of children around the world are the victims of and witnesses to physical , sexual and emotional violence .
Aim : The aim of the present study is two-fold : to access the attitude , knowledge and perceptions of the dentists regarding child abuse , and to investigate professional characteristics associated with the identification of suspected child abuse .
Materials and Methods : A questionnaire was sent to 250 dentists including both graduates and post graduates who are members of DCI working in various cities of Punjab . The questionnaire consisted of 23 questions in all regarding the demographic data , practitioner ’ s knowledge concerning child abuse and their personal experience with the suspected and confirmed child abuse cases .
Results : Of the 250 dentists surveyed , response rate was 100 %. Awareness about signs of physical , sexual and diagnostic indicators of abuse was present amongst most of the dentists . No one had ever reported a case of child abuse and only 12 % know where to report . When enquired about the child helpline number , only 35.2 % had knowledge about the same .
Conclusion : The results indicate lack of awareness among the professionals about where and how to report child abuse cases . So they need to receive information for the same .
Introduction
Oindia is home to almost 19 % of the world ’ s children . More than one-third of the country ’ s population , around 440 million , is below 18 years of age . In a country like India with its multicultural , multi-ethnic and multi-religious population , the problems of socially marginalized and economically backward
1 groups are immense 3
. Child Abuse was and continues to be , one of the most heinous crimes designed and perpetuated by human beings against some of the most vulnerable and defenceless sections of the community . It is a malaise on a society that prides itself on the rule
of law , democracy and the various freedoms enshrined in the Constitution . According to the Wo r l d H e a l t h O r g a n i s a t i o n , “ C h i l d maltreatment , sometimes referred to as child abuse and neglect , includes all forms of physical and emotional ill treatment , sexual abuse , neglect and exploitation that results in actual or potential harm to the child ' s health , 2 development or dignity .” In India , Child Abuse occurs in various spaces including the home , neighbourhood , schools , and temporary homes of shelter for abandoned and neglected children , railway platforms , jails and refugee
3 camps . The problem is deep rooted and is one that the community is hesitant to accept and
* Professor and Head ( Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry ), National Dental College and Hospital , Dera Bassi , Mohali , India .
** Associate Professor ( Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry ), National Dental College and Hospital , Dera Bassi , Mohali .
*** Reader ( Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry ), National Dental College , and Hospital , Dera Bassi , Mohali .
**** PG Student , Dept of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry , National Dental College and Hospital , Dera Bassi , Mohali , India .
122 Vol . 12 No . 23 May-August Sept-Dec 2016