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Violence and injuries
WHO/Europe draws attention to child maltreatment prevention policy briefs on violence against children
The United Nations Secretary-General’s report on violence against children has heightened awareness in Member States of the victimization of children worldwide. In this context, the WHO Regional Office for Europe has produced policy briefings on the Public health approach to preventing child maltreatment in the WHO European Region and The cycles of violence: the key facts.
Child maltreatment in the European Region
Child maltreatment whether it is due to physical, sexual or emotional abuse, or neglect, is very prevalent in the European Region. Child maltreatment constitutes one of the most severe forms of Adverse Childhood Experiences which may occur in childhood. Other such stressful childhood experiences include witnessing violence between parents or caregivers; or being exposed to other kinds of serious household dysfunction such as alcohol and substance abuse and peer violence.
Adverse childhood experiences constitute one of the most intensive and frequently occurring sources of stress that children may suffer early in life and are very often socially determined. Prolonged stress can lead to health risk behaviours that lead to serious health problems such as as alcoholism, depression, eating disorders, unsafe sex, HIV/AIDS, heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases. There is also a risk of further victimization and later antisocial behaviour.
WHO/Europe addresses child maltreatment with national policy makers
In recognition of the gravity of the problem and to study its extent further, the WHO Regional Office for Europe is working with partners in several countries by conducting surveys to study adverse childhood experiences. This uses methodology outlined in Preventing child maltreatment: a guide to taking action and generating evidence . Countries include Lithuania, Latvia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Albania and Montenegro. Results are being presented at national policy dialogues to prioritize the next steps for prevention.