37 child abuse cases reported in Sharjah
Since the launch of the Child Help Services by Sharjah Social Services Department (SSSD) nearly two months ago, 37 children were found to have been abused physically, sexually and emotionally by care-givers.
This was disclosed by SSSD Director-General Afaf Ibrahim Al Miri to Khaleej Times yesterday.
Al Miri said the Child Help Services was launched in November last year with the aim of curbing child abuse and providing rehabilitation services to help the abused child regain confidence.
A team comprising physicians, nurses, social workers and psychiatrists has been formed to handle child abuse cases. People from the emirate can call the hotline 1131 and report cases of child abuse.
More than 50 per cent of the abused children were Emiratis hailing from various parts of the emirate. Four of the cases were of sexual abuse, three physical abuse and remaining accounted for verbal and psychological abuse.
Most of the complaints of child abuse were lodged by the children’s relatives. “The relatives who witnessed the suffering of the abused children called the Child Help Services hotline number to provide information.
“In some cases, parents whose children were abused sexually or physically, also filed complaints,” according to Al Miri.
Al Miri said the idea of launching such an initiative was prompted by the case of physical abuse of a girl child by her parents. The case was brought to the notice of the SSSD by the girl child’s neighbour.
“A team of social workers and physicians launched an investigation into the case and finally succeeded in saving the child,” she added.
“Although many people are reluctant to get involved in other people’s lives. But when it comes to child abuse, you shouldn’t keep mum. If you know of a child being abused or even suspected abuse, you have the responsibility to report it. By reporting, you can make a tremendous difference in the life of a child and the child’s family, especially if you help stop the abuse early,” Al Miri pointed out.
“Early identification and treatment can help mitigate the long-term effects of abuse. If the abuse is stopped and the child receives competent treatment, the abused child can begin to regain a sense of self-confidence and trust. Parents may also benefit from support, parent training and family management,” she said. Source
This was disclosed by SSSD Director-General Afaf Ibrahim Al Miri to Khaleej Times yesterday.
Al Miri said the Child Help Services was launched in November last year with the aim of curbing child abuse and providing rehabilitation services to help the abused child regain confidence.
A team comprising physicians, nurses, social workers and psychiatrists has been formed to handle child abuse cases. People from the emirate can call the hotline 1131 and report cases of child abuse.
More than 50 per cent of the abused children were Emiratis hailing from various parts of the emirate. Four of the cases were of sexual abuse, three physical abuse and remaining accounted for verbal and psychological abuse.
Most of the complaints of child abuse were lodged by the children’s relatives. “The relatives who witnessed the suffering of the abused children called the Child Help Services hotline number to provide information.
“In some cases, parents whose children were abused sexually or physically, also filed complaints,” according to Al Miri.
Al Miri said the idea of launching such an initiative was prompted by the case of physical abuse of a girl child by her parents. The case was brought to the notice of the SSSD by the girl child’s neighbour.
“A team of social workers and physicians launched an investigation into the case and finally succeeded in saving the child,” she added.
“Although many people are reluctant to get involved in other people’s lives. But when it comes to child abuse, you shouldn’t keep mum. If you know of a child being abused or even suspected abuse, you have the responsibility to report it. By reporting, you can make a tremendous difference in the life of a child and the child’s family, especially if you help stop the abuse early,” Al Miri pointed out.
“Early identification and treatment can help mitigate the long-term effects of abuse. If the abuse is stopped and the child receives competent treatment, the abused child can begin to regain a sense of self-confidence and trust. Parents may also benefit from support, parent training and family management,” she said. Source
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