More must be done to raise awareness of abuse if we are to protect our children
The Abuse Against Children in the UAE Society survey, released this week, feeds into a discussion that's growing ever louder about a troubling issue that requires more community awareness and action. As The National reported yesterday, the survey conducted by the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children provided some insight into the most common forms of abuse, the usual perpetrators and the places in which child abuse most commonly occurs. This information should help policymakers and social workers determine risk factors and aid the most vulnerable.
The survey confirms something that we knew already, namely that child abuse exists in UAE society, as it does around the world. A comprehensive survey of the problem has value in that it shines the spotlight on a dark subject. Since the horrific death of eight-year-old Wadeema at the hands of her father and his girlfriend two years ago, there has been increased awareness of the issue. Now this survey takes it another step forward.
Of course, there is much more to be done if we are to understand that abuse can manifest itself in multiple ways – from so trivial a rebuff as telling a child they’re stupid to a severe beating for misbehaviour. A pro-active way to deal with the issue is raising community awareness about the different forms of abuse – psychological, physical and sexual – and taking preventive measures to protect children at home and in school. Children should also be encouraged – empowered, even – to speak up and ask for help if they are victims of abuse or if they know others who are.
Educators should take note of the survey’s finding that 12.3 per cent ofchildren admitted to being abused at school.
Parents should be educated about the proper ways to discipline their children without resorting to physical violence. Even though only 6.5 per cent of the children who took part in the survey said they were victims of domestic abuse, this is a serious matter because it happens behind closed doors and often goes unreported.
Of course, the primary responsibility for protecting children rests with their families. But it goes beyond that. The community has to care. It takes a village to raise a child.
