Child Protection Unit (CPU)

Since 1 September 2025, a specialist unit has been formalising and strengthening the fight against child abuse in Valais. Established by a decision of the State Council and jointly funded by the Department of Public Health and the Department of Education, it acts as a link between hospital and external stakeholders.

Internal and external coordination

Between the various professionals involved:

• Within the hospital, this involves close collaboration with paediatrics, as well as with surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, perinatal care, child and adolescent psychiatry, and A&E. The aim is to coordinate responses when signs of physical, psychological or sexual abuse are detected.
• Externally, the UPE acts as a point of contact and provides advice to schools, school nurses, paediatricians in private practice, the Child and Adult Protection Authorities (APEA), the Child Protection Office (OPE) and the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Domestic violence

Close collaboration with the Violence Medicine Unit to protect both mother and child simultaneously, prioritising support measures.

Training

Raising awareness among all professionals in contact with children (health, education, sport).

Documentation and statistics

Rigorous data collection to objectively assess the scale of the phenomenon (including 16–18-year-olds) and inform national studies (Optimus, Paediatrics Switzerland).

Duty to report

All professionals must report any situation that threatens a child’s development, unless they can resolve the situation themselves. The unit helps to assess this delicate distinction.

Unité de protection de l'enfant de l'Hôpital du Valais

027 603 42 37