DUBAI // DUBAI // An organisation in Dubai handled 108 cases of violence against women and 11 child abuse cases between July and September this year.
The Dubai Foundation for Women and children said on Monday that it had also handled one case of human trafficking in that period. Of the 120 victims, 16 were provided shelter at the foundation.
The number of victims shows a slight increase compared to the 115 abuse cases handled during the same period last year.
Verbal and emotional abuse was the most common type, with 103 cases of deprivation and neglect, 86 of financial abuse, 80 of physical violence, 14 of sexual abuse and 11 of domestic violence.
In many cases, the victims were exposed to more than one type of abuse, said Afra Al Basti, director general of the foundation.
The source of abuse was varied, with spousal abuse the cause in 85 instances. Fathers were the abusers in 19 cases, mothers in seven, brothers in four, and ex-husbands and other relatives in six each. Two cases involved violence from managers at victims’ workplaces and one involved a stepfather.
There were 31 Emirati nationals among the victims. The foundation takes care of women and children who have been subjected to violence and human trafficking within the UAE regardless of their nationality.
Some 153 people were provided consultation, financial aid or other help.
“Cases are directed to DFWAC through self-admission or calling the hotline, or from our partners such as public prosecution, the courts, the various departments and sections of the police, embassies and consulates, other shelters and other helplines in other emirates,” Ms Al Basti said.
At least 89 people asked for help through the 800 111 helpline, via e-mail help@dfwac.ae, text messages to 5111 or by directly approaching the foundation.
The foundation provides free of cost shelter, legal, educational services, medical care and rehabilitation with jobs.
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