Daejeon City and Chungnam National University Hospital Designated as 'Child Abuse Specialized Medical Institution'

Daejeon City has designated Chungnam National University Hospital as a specialized medical institution for child abuse (hereinafter referred to as the Metropolitan Saessakjikimi Hospital).

According to the city on the 27th, the Metropolitan Saessakjikimi Hospital was piloted and operated last year in eight metropolitan cities and provinces, and has been expanded nationwide this year.

This hospital treats and provides consultation for high-difficulty child abuse cases at the metropolitan city/province level and is responsible for training medical staff at child abuse specialized medical institutions within its jurisdiction.

Following its designation as a Metropolitan Saessakjikimi Hospital, Chungnam National University Hospital will support emergency medical services in the field of child abuse together with 12 local Saessakjikimi Hospitals, the National Police Agency, child protection agencies, and district offices.

The core role is to provide consultation when medical opinions and related medical information are required, such as reporting suspected child abuse cases discovered during treatment, discussing high-difficulty abuse cases that require multidisciplinary discussion, and establishing causal relationships between child abuse and physical or mental damage.

Additionally, to ensure prompt response when child abuse (or suspected) incidents occur, a Child Protection Committee will be formed and operated to provide medical treatment and consultation throughout the entire process of reporting, investigating, and case management of high-difficulty abuse victims (or suspected victims).

Min Dong-hee, Director of the Welfare Bureau of the city, said, “The participation of medical institutions is important throughout the entire process of child abuse investigation, judgment, and case management,” and added, “Chungnam National University Hospital is expected to play a central role as a Metropolitan Saessakjikimi Hospital and contribute to raising the level of child abuse treatment and support in the region.”