Child abuse: a common problem in Curaçao?

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Child Psychology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Child abuse poses a significant public health concern globally.
• Understanding the prevalence and forms of child abuse is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
• Adolescent populations are particularly vulnerable to various forms of maltreatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of child abuse among high school students in Curaçao.
• To identify the different forms of child abuse experienced by adolescents.
• To explore adolescents' perceptions of general practitioners (GPs) as care providers for child abuse.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire survey was administered to high school students up to 17 years of age in Curaçao.
• The survey instrument was adapted from existing literature and validated questionnaires by child abuse experts.
• The study collected data on five forms of child abuse: physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, and exploitation.

Main Results:

• A total of 545 valid questionnaires were analyzed, with 43% of respondents reporting ever experiencing child abuse.
• Physical abuse was reported by over one-third of those experiencing abuse, and sexual abuse by over 15%, with girls reporting more sexual abuse than boys.
• Emotional abuse affected 3% and neglect 1% of respondents in the last year; GPs were not viewed as primary care providers for child abuse.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of child abuse in Curaçao is estimated at 431 per 1000 students, indicating a significant issue.
• Physical abuse is a common form of child abuse in Curaçao, comparable to surrounding regions.
• Adolescents do not perceive general practitioners as key resources for addressing child abuse, highlighting a gap in care access.