Barriers to the prevention of violence against children identified by healthcare professionals: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE: To map the barriers identified by healthcare professionals to the prevention of violence against children. METHOD: This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. The search was conducted using the MedLine, CINAHL, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, ERIC, Cochrane, MedicLatina, Scopus, Web of Science, RCAAP, and MedNar databases. RESULTS: A total of 1,674 publications were identified, with 45 studies included in the review. Barriers were most frequently reported in relation to the identification and reporting of violence against children. Recurrent challenges included deficits in knowledge and training, professional insecurity, excessive workload, and limited time availability. Cultural, social, and organizational factors also emerged as significant cross-cutting obstacles. CONCLUSION: The need for targeted training, improved working conditions, and strengthened inter-institutional collaboration is highlighted as a priority area identified in the literature to address the complex and interconnected barriers faced by healthcare professionals in the prevention and combat of violence against children.