Should we continue like this.

The physical,psychological and sexual assault,maltreatment and neglect of a child especially by parents,caregivers and those supposed to be in charge of raising a child is said to be child abuse.

Child abuse may include any act or failure to act by a parent or caregiver that results in actual or potential harm to a child.the most challenging dilemma arising from child abuse relates to parental right of abusive parents with regards to their children , particularly in medical settings.

Most ethical concerns of child abuse closely related to confidentiality as victims report abuse to the right authorities,but the question unanswered is “Should we continue like this”?.

Many jurisdictions and professional bodies have made exceptions to standard requirements for confidentiality and legal privileges in instances of child abuse.medical professionals,doctors,therapist and other mental health workers typically own a duty of confidentlity to their parents and client either by law or the standards of professional ethics and cannot disclose personal information without the consent of the individual concerned.

This exceptions allows professionals to breach confidentiality and make a report even when victims and their parents/guardians have specifically instructed to the contrary which now has forced victims and parent to hold back cases of assault from right authority out of the fear of being exposed to public ridicule even when some of this assaults is from clergy’s,family member,neighbours.

It is high time we stand and fight the menace while it’s still day.

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