MIDRIFT HURINET Psychologists attended a training on "Caring for Children who have experienced Violence" organized by the World Health Organization on 28th January 2025.
The objective of the training was to recognize child maltreatment and critical first steps to take in case of neglect/abuse and help professionals identify maltreatment.
They were also capacity strengthened in the skills for safely communicating with children and caregivers about abuse and responding appropriately to instances of maltreatment.
Child maltreatment, as defined by the World Health Organization, encompasses all forms of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, negligence, and commercial or other exploitation that result in actual or potential harm to a child's health, survival, development, or dignity within a relationship of responsibility, trust, or power.
This maltreatment can manifest through various actions, such as physical punishment, psychological violence, sexual abuse, or neglect by parents, caregivers, or others in positions of authority.
The consequences of such maltreatment are profound, leading to impaired lifelong physical and mental health and significant social and occupational challenges.
Globally, it is estimated that up to 1 billion children aged 2–17 years have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence or neglect in the past year.
The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that nearly 24% of adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 who have been in relationships have experienced physical or sexual violence from intimate partners, with 16% reporting such violence in the past year.
This analysis, based on surveys from 154 countries, underscores the pervasive nature of intimate partner violence among young women.
The data indicates that regions with limited women's rights, such as those with restricted educational opportunities and unequal inheritance laws, exhibit higher rates of violence.
The World Health Organization also estimates that annually, 40 million children under the age of 15 fall victim to various forms of violence, including physical abuse, sexual exploitation, and neglect.
The repercussions of such maltreatment are profound, leading to immediate physical injuries and long-term psychological trauma that can hinder a child's development and well-being.
These distressing statistics underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to protect society's youngest and most vulnerable members.
Based on this training, MIDRIFT HURINET is poised to enhance its comprehensive strategy for its programming in its intervention areas.
Recognizing the profound impact of trauma on young minds, they plan to integrate trauma-informed care principles across all programs, ensuring that every interaction fosters safety, trust, and empowerment.
This includes revising existing protocols to incorporate evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to the unique needs of child survivors.
MIDRIFT HURINET aims to enhance its collaborative partnerships with local schools and community centers to facilitate early identification and intervention, providing accessible support networks for affected children and their families.
By fostering an environment of continuous learning and adaptation, MIDRIFT HURINET is committed to creating a sanctuary where young survivors can heal, grow, and reclaim their narratives.
The training was in three modules covering;
1. Module 1: Child maltreatment and the role of healthcare professionals with key principles of working with children who are survivors of violence.
2. Module 2: Recognizing Child maltreatment with emphasis on child clinical enquiry and documentation
3. Module 3: First-line Support for child maltreatment tailored to the child.
They were also taken through the World Health Organization (WHO) developed LIVES framework that supports survivors of sexual violence.
LIVES stands for Listen (inquire about needs and concerns), Validate, Enhance safety, and Support.
This approach emphasizes the importance of empathetic listening, assessing individual needs, validating experiences, ensuring safety, and providing appropriate Support to survivors.
By implementing the LIVES framework, healthcare providers can offer compassionate and effective care to those affected by sexual violence.
While long-term data indicates a decline in physical and sexual abuse cases, there has been a concerning rise in reported instances of emotional abuse and neglect.
Economic hardship, social isolation, and increased family stress significantly contribute to these trends.
The digital age has introduced complexities, with cyberbullying and online exploitation emerging as modern forms of abuse.
Equipped with the latest training from the World Health Organization, MIDRIFT HURINET psychologists are now better prepared to address these emerging issues.
They can implement trauma-informed care practices, ensuring that interventions are sensitive to the unique experiences of each child.
By staying informed about current trends and adapting their approaches accordingly, these trained psychologists can play a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of child maltreatment and promoting healing and resilience among affected children.
By: Jacob Karani & Britney Marcella