immersion in a hospital service that detects child abuse

AT the slightest suspicion of mistreatment, we call Mathilde and Tania. For a year and a half, the Robert Debré hospital in Paris has set up a special unit to detect cases of abuse. They intervene with the children as soon as there is a doubt of mistreatment. In this case, the baby has just arrived at the hospital and the scenario worries the doctors. “What bothers me is that the only explanation for the fractures would be falling from a low height, but it is rare to have a hemorrhage from this height”explains Tania, pediatrician. “What we want to know is what the parents think of the child. If they put themselves in their baby’s shoes, we are more reassured”continues the pediatrician.

10% of children one day exposed to abuse

It is estimated that 10% of children will one day be exposed to an episode of abuse, and more than 9 times out of 10, violence takes place within the family. Every month, they report more than 40 children, and sometimes you have to go fast. After an exchange with the doctors, Tania explains that she will have to report to the authorities. “Our mission is to report to the competent authorities, that they make an investigation.” For a year and a half, more than 10% have had to be placed under protection.