Dubai foundation helps 196 victims of domestic violence since January

The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children helped 196 victims of domestic violence during the first half of the year.

Spousal abuse by husbands topped the list with 162 cases. The majority of victims suffered more than one type of abuse, including verbal and emotional, neglect, physical, financial and sexual abuse.

“Among the cases of domestic violence that we received we provided shelter for eight after studying their situation, while the others received care and rehabilitation services,” said Afra Al Basti, Director General of the foundation.

Almost 24 per cent of domestic violence cases involved Emiratis.

The majority of the cases reached the foundation through the 800111 helpline, SMS or emails while others were referred by the police, courts, embassies, schools, relatives and friends.

A total of 231 cases were received during the same period in 2015. Services provided by the foundation are free.