Are we back to normal? Evaluating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on referrals to a child protection service in a tertiary care centre in Vienna, Austria - Takeaways - MDSpire
Coming Soon: Introducing MDSpire News. Learn more
Conexiant’s news site is now MDSpire News. Learn more

Assessing the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Child Protection Service Referrals at a Tertiary Care Facility in Vienna, Austria

  • By

  • Chryssa Grylli

  • Sophie Klomfar

  • Johanna Brandlechner

  • Laura Schaller

  • Katharina Weimann

  • Anastasia Pantazidou

  • Eva Mora-Theuer

  • Christoph Krall

  • Catherine Quantin

  • Susanne Greber-Platzer

  • September 19, 2026

Share

  • 1

    The study analyzed 401 suspected child maltreatment cases referred to FOKUS in Vienna from March 2019 to March 2023.

  • 2

    During the pandemic, referrals for suspected physical abuse decreased by 55.3%, while suspected sexual abuse cases remained stable.

  • 3

    Post-pandemic, suspected physical abuse reports returned to pre-pandemic levels, but suspected sexual abuse cases increased significantly.

  • 4

    The median age of patients in suspected sexual abuse cases progressively increased over time, indicating changing victim profiles.

  • 5

    Psychological support needs rose during the pandemic and remained elevated afterward, highlighting ongoing mental health challenges.

Original Source(s)

Are we back to normal? Evaluating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on referrals to a child protection service in a tertiary care centre in Vienna, Austria

  • by Chryssa Grylli, Sophie Klomfar, Johanna Brandlechner, Laura Schaller, Katharina Weimann, Anastasia Pantazidou, Eva Mora-Theuer, Christoph Krall, Catherine Quantin, Susanne Greber-Platzer

  • September 19, 2026

Related Content

Effects and User-Reported Experiences of a Self-Management Mobile Health App for Grieving Adolescents: Randomized Controlled Trial

Hospitals Say They Found a Tool To Help Reduce Childbirth Risks: Wristbands

“There are so many risks, and it’s just like you almost become invisible.”

What Makes an Effective Social Media Policy?