Family members shown to be most common child abusers

The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children received 11 child abuse victims on the second quarter of the year, eight of whom are Emirati nationals.

DUBAI // Fathers are the most common child abusers in the country, a study by a foundation for women and children has revealed.

Mothers were second on the list, followed by stepfathers.

The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) received 11 child abuse victims on the second quarter of the year, eight of whom were Emirati nationals.

However, only three of the cases required shelter, said Afra Al Basti, director general of the foundation.

Of the cases received, four were boys while seven were girls. They were all under 18.

Ms Al Basti said that for the time being the sheltering services for boys were only available for children up to 12 years of age.

Three cases were transferred to the foundation by hospitals, while three others were transferred from Dubai Police. Three were brought forward by schools and two by relatives. She said the children had been subjected to more than one type of abuse, with emotional abuse being the most common.

Cases of neglect and witnessing domestic violence came next while financial, physical and sexual abuse followed.

Ms Al Basti said the children had been exposed to abuse through numerous sources, but were mostly subjected to abuse by their fathers.

She said the children had gone through comprehensive evaluations by experts at the foundation and were provided with special care and rehabilitation in accordance to their psychological, health, social and legal care.

She said most parents did not realise their behaviour was considered to be abusive, and awareness efforts were needed to inform them. She said that would be a main focus at DFWAC.

Ms Al Basti said people should report cases they witnessed through the helpline 800111. The foundation, she said, received victims of violence against women and children of all nationalities and ages.