Child abuse linked to faith or belief: working towards recognition in practice

Maria T. Clark*, Jeannette Littlemore, Julie Taylor, Geoffrey Debelle

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

Child abuse linked to faith or belief (CALFB) is a worldwide issue that is linked to serious short-term and long-term consequences and even death. Children affected by CALFB may have undergone multiple abuses – such as ritual starvation, beatings, burns, stabbings and drowning – prompting concern in hospitals, schools and communities, including in emergency and primary care settings. Nurses have an important role in safeguarding children and young people, and their role in identifying and responding to CALFB is often challenging.

This article uses a ‘competemility’ (cultural competence and cultural humility) approach to raise awareness of CALFB reporting and investigations in the UK. It examines medical evidence and psychosocial indicators of this form of abuse and explains the metaphorical language and thoughts associated with reported beliefs. The article aims to support nurses to be culturally sensitive to CALFB and to explore how they can contribute to preserve the safety of children in familial and community settings.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere1444
JournalNursing Children and Young People
Early online date18 Oct 2022
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 18 Oct 2022

Keywords

  • child abuse
  • clinical
  • cultural competence
  • culture
  • diversity
  • health promotion
  • professional
  • professional issues
  • religion
  • safeguarding
  • spirituality
  • transcultural care

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