New report calls for improved handling of child violence cases within healthcare system

There is a pressing need to improve the handling of cases involving violence against children, according to a new report. Currently, there is no clear procedure within the healthcare system to deal with such cases.

The report emphasizes a need for increased transparency regarding case proceedings within child protection services. It argues that information should be made available and useful for schools, healthcare institutions, and the police.

The report proposes to enhance communication among child protection services, primary schools, the healthcare system, and the police. It also recommends specific actions to address different forms of violence against children, such as domestic violence, religiously motivated genital mutilation, and bullying among children.

It suggests implementing measures to identify and address violence against children in primary schools and strengthening healthcare services for child abuse victims. It also recommends working on identifying and preventing genital mutilation during prenatal care and early childhood protection.

The report calls for updating and standardizing procedures in all healthcare institutions in the country regarding violence against children. It emphasizes the need for increased knowledge and training of healthcare professionals.

The report also points out that child protection services should make more effort to inform the healthcare system, schools, and the police about case proceedings.

Psychologists at Heimilisfriði, a treatment center for victims of domestic violence, argue that children living in abusive homes are often not listened to.

Páll Ólafsson, the executive director of the welfare department of the Children and Family Center, who was part of the working group, states that the new welfare laws support this work. He emphasizes the importance of continuing the conversation about improving communication, sharing information, and working better together on children’s issues, especially in cases where children are victims of violence.