Adapting a model of response to child abuse to the conditions in the circumpolar north
Sexual and reproductive health is dependent on sexual well-being. Research shows that sexual abuse during childhood has long-term consequences on both mental and physical health of the victims during the rest of their lives (1). Furthermore, research shows that the children of mothers who themselves...
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| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
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International Journal of Circumpolar Health
2016
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| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/11212/3533 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5149659/ |
| Summary: | Sexual and reproductive health is dependent on sexual well-being. Research shows that sexual abuse during childhood has long-term consequences on both mental and physical health of the victims during the rest of their lives (1). Furthermore, research shows that the children of mothers who themselves were victims of childhood abuse suffer from greater psychosocial maladjustment than other children (2). Numerous reports argue that social problems including sexual abuse of children are widespread in the arctic north (3). Preventing sexual abuse as well as dealing adequately with cases of abuse is of utmost importance to ensure sexual and reproductive health. The methods and models of dealing with cases of child abuse consequently play an important role in the promotion of sexual and reproductive health (1). In 2010, Naalakkersuisut, the Government of Greenland, decided to establish a centre to deal with cases of child abuse. Saaffik (Saaffik.gl) was inspired by the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) developed in the United States in the 1980s. The CACs represent a child-friendly, multi-disciplinary response to child abuse with the dual intention of facilitating the legal process and ensuring that the child victims receive the necessary support (www.nationalcac.org). Saaffik was opened in 2011 in the capital of Greenland, Nuuk. Based on the principles of CAC and the Scandinavian-adopted models called “barnahus” (4), Saaffik had a “one-door” approach which provided a coordinated response to the child victims and ensured that relevant institutions and authorities co-operated. The multidisciplinary approach ensured that children could meet all relevant professionals within Saaffik, including medical staff, police and social services. An example of the inclusion of multiple professions was the furnishing of a room to accommodate video recording of police interviews. The model and idea of the “one-door” principle is compelling and has had positive impact on the treatment of child abuse in the United States and countries in ... |
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