Countdown to 2020: progress in implementing the European child maltreatment prevention action plan

The prevalence of child maltreatment is unacceptably high in the European Region ranging from 22.9% for physical abuse, 29.1% for emotional abuse, and 9.6% for sexual abuse. It is a hidden form of violence and it is estimated... [ view full abstract ]

The prevalence of child maltreatment is unacceptably high in the European Region ranging from 22.9% for physical abuse, 29.1% for emotional abuse, and 9.6% for sexual abuse. It is a hidden form of violence and it is estimated that only about 10% comes to the attention of child protection services. The consequences of exposure to child maltreatment are far reaching resulting in an increased likelihood through the life-course of poorer physical and mental health, unrealised developmental potential, and being a victim or perpetrator of violence. Child maltreatment is one of the more serious forms of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and seldom occurs in isolation, and often in dysfunctional households. Numerous surveys of ACEs have been undertaken in Europe which have reported the high prevalence of ACEs and the strong association with health harming behaviours.

Ministries of Health of the 53 countries of the European Region adopted the WHO plan Investing in children: the European child maltreatment prevention action plan 2015-2020. The plan calls for a 20% reduction in child maltreatment through its three objectives: 1) Make child maltreatment more visible by setting up information systems, 2) Strengthen governance through multisectoral action plans for prevention, and 3) Reduce risks for child maltreatment by implementing prevention programmes. Three handbooks have been developed to support policy makers and practitioners achieve these objectives: 1) Measuring and monitoring national prevalence of child maltreatment: a practical handbook 2) Handbook on developing national action plans to prevent child maltreatment 3) Implementing child maltreatment prevention programmes: what the experts say. Further the package INSPIRE proposes seven strategies for ending violence against children. A survey is being undertaken to assess progress in implementing the European plan. This will report on whether improvements are being made across countries compared to the baseline in 2014. Results will be reported to governments at the WHO Regional Committee for Europe as part of the midterm review of the action plan in order to advocate for greater action to stop maltreatment against children.