May 11, 2022 - The forensic child protection outpatient clinic at Hannover Medical School, which is funded by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Equal Opportunities, offers medical practices, clinics and the public health service in Lower Saxony expert advice and qualified medical diagnostics in cases of suspected child abuse and suspected sexual abuse, regardless of whether criminal charges have been filed. During a visit on May 11, Social Affairs Minister Daniela Behrens learned about the special care structure in medical child protection and development potential with the MHH. "When children become victims of violence, it is one of the most perfidious crimes we can imagine," emphasized Social Affairs Minister Daniela Behrens. "If the physicians treating a child suspect abuse due to injuries or changes in the child's behavior, rapid assistance and legally sound diagnostics are required. This is where the experts at the Child Protection Outpatient Clinic come into play. With their extensive experience, they provide support in the interpretation of findings and, if necessary, secure evidence. In many cases, the MHH thus ensures that the violence comes to an end and that perpetrators are convicted and punished."

Child protection outpatient clinic offers low-threshold services

"The MHH's child protection outpatient clinic has a wealth of experience in this important topic, providing uncomplicated and competent help in the fight against child abuse," adds MHH President Prof. Dr. Dr. Michael Manns, who accompanied the Minister on her visit.

In more than ten years, the forensic child protection outpatient clinic has established itself as an important point of contact throughout Lower Saxony with around 2,000 consultations.

"To improve medical child protection, competence and expert knowledge are made available quickly, easily and in an uncomplicated manner, and both incriminating and exonerating findings are documented and evaluated in a forensic manner," explains the head of the child protection outpatient clinic, Prof. Dr. Anette Debertin from the MHH Institute of Forensic Medicine. In the course of current developments, this could also play a valuable role in the assessment of risk for youth welfare services.