Number of child abuse victims decreases by 33%

Dubai - Al Basti highlighted that the number of victims of child abuse which DFWAC received during the first half of the year decreased by about 33 per cent compared to the same period last year.

The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) has received 30 victims of child abuse in the first half of this year. According to Afra Al Basti, DFWAC Director-General, 16 children were sheltered in the DFWAC, while the rest received full care and rehabilitation services. She said all cases are subjected to accurate screening to determine all their needs and to develop an appropriate rehabilitation plan for each of them.
Al Basti highlighted that the number of victims of child abuse which DFWAC received during the first half of the year decreased by about 33 per cent compared to the same period last year.
Al Basti pointed out that the DFWAC offers all its services free of charge to the victims of violence, ranging from providing shelter, care and rehabilitation services, as well as legal and educational services, and programmes for vocational rehabilitation and different recreational activities.
She added that the DFWAC aims to reach victims of child abuse who do not report that they are being abused for various reasons. Many children remain silent about their exposure to violence, either because of their fear of the abuser or thinking that it is normal when the source of abuse is a family member.
Al Basti said that child abuse levels in the UAE are amongst the lowest in the world compared to many other countries, as the nation aims to achieve significant strides in this area, especially after the application of the Wadeema Law to protect children rights, which is expected to contribute significantly to the reduction of this type of crime.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai