Circle of Advocates for Children’s Rights
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:
- Structured training program for health professionals
- Statutory detection process in pediatric care centers
- 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 children’s 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.
