"I believe in the vision that 'children have the right to develop and mature in a supportive, nurturing environment, and that they have the need and the right to be protected from every form of violence, victimization and neglect.' Unfortunately, we live in a world where violence is everywhere, and at times is celebrated. How does this exposure impact the young person who is still developing and growing? Whether they are a direct victim, or a witness to violence, the outcomes for children and youth are not limited to the physical injuries they may suffer which can be permanent and fatal, but they are also at risk for a number of medical, psychological and social conditions associated with high morbidity and mortality. These include, but are not limited to alcoholism, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, heart disease, sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancies, teen dating violence, inter-partner violence in adulthood, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, violent behaviors or repeated victimization, and suicide. Recognizing these potential outcomes, it is clear that medical providers have the responsibility to screen patients and families for violence exposure, and to provide the necessary treatment, support and assistance. These outcomes impact both public health and public safety, and therefore, require a societal and community–level response that focuses not only on intervention, but also prevention."

Pediatric Care Settings, Safe Start Center
Pediatric care settings are perhaps the only places where children are seen at multiple points during their childhood and adolescence. These settings provide an excellent opportunity to screen families for health and social risks (including exposure to violence), educate parents, and refer children and families to services to prevent or treat emotional or behavioral problems that may result from exposure to violence.

American Academy of Pediatrics

Intimate Partner Violence: The Role of the Pediatrician

Role of the Pediatrician in Youth Violence Prevention

Children's Health Topics, Violence Prevention

The National Center for Child Traumatic Stress Network

Medical Trauma

Basics of Trauma Informed Care

Youth Violence Prevention, Training and Outreach Guide, American Medical Association

Dr. Jackson is the Division Chief of the Child and Adolescent Protection Center in the Goldberg Center for Community Pediatric Health of Children's National Medical Center, and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at George Washington University. Dr. Jackson has been with the Freddie Mac Foundation Child and Adolescent Protection Center at Children's National Medical Center since 2000, prior to which practiced general pediatrics and served as the Chief of Pediatrics at a community health center in Baltimore, Maryland. She is a board certified Child Abuse Pediatrician and an active participant in the District of Columbia's Multidisciplinary Team on Child Abuse. She is currently a member of the Children's Academy of Pediatric Educators through which she is working to improve the education of physicians on the recognition and response to child physical abuse. Dr. Jackson is a member of the Section on Child Abuse and Neglect of the American Academy of Pediatrics.