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UAE: Man gets 10-year jail term for sexual assault of a child
The court has imposed a post-release restriction, prohibiting the defendant from residing near the victim's home
- PUBLISHED: Thu 24 Jul 2025, 1:35 PM UPDATED: Fri 25 Jul 2025, 8:51 AM
The Abu Dhabi Criminal Court has sentenced a man to ten years in prison after convicting him of sexually assaulting a child by coercion inside his private vehicle.
In addition to the prison term, the court has imposed a post-release restriction, prohibiting the defendant from residing near the victim's home.
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The case came to light after a relative of the 10-year-old victim filed a police report, stating that the child had been lured into the defendant’s vehicle and assaulted in a residential area near their home.
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Following the report, the Abu Dhabi Public Prosecution launched an investigation. Evidence confirmed the presence of the defendant’s vehicle at the scene on the day of the incident. Surveillance footage showed the car parked near a school for an extended period before leaving the area.
Supporting abuse victims
In the aftermath of such traumatic events, experts emphasise the need to support a child's emotional recovery and equip parents with the tools to respond with compassion and care. Reassuring the child, repeatedly, if needed, that they are not to blame is a crucial part of the healing process.
"Children who experience abuse often have thoughts like "I should have said no" or "I shouldn't have gone there" and carry the blame for actions that were committed against them, as though they were active participants," Bene Katabua, senior educational psychologist at Maudsley Health Abu Dhabi, said.
Adults should emphasise that the responsible person is the one who assaulted them, and not the child themselves. This reassurance can help mitigate the self-blame that tends to persist until adulthood.
"After experiencing sexual assault, children need to be in spaces that help restore feelings of security, predictability and care. When they feel a genuine sense of safety, they can rebuild a sense of trust, which is foundational for recovery," Bene added.
How parents can help abused child
Parents should not just focus on verbal indicators of distress, but also behavioural ones: changes in their sleep, bathroom habits, appetite, and overall mood. Staying observant is crucial for supporting their wellbeing.
Bene said, "Remember that a child's silence does not mean they are unaffected; it may simply mean they do not yet have the tools to express and process what they have just experienced.
"Respect the boundaries that the child sets. If you notice that the child is uncomfortable with physical contact, such as hugging relatives, refrain from insisting on it. If the child reacts with fear to sudden movements (like wincing when someone raises a hand), reassure them gently of their safety. For activities that require physical touch, like doctor visit or contact sports, remain alert and provide support or advocacy when needed. Rebuilding trust with adults takes time after an assault, and respecting these boundaries can go a long way in helping the child regain the sense of safety and control."
Children lack tools to process sexual assault
Healing from trauma does not follow a set timeline, and it is important to remain patient with your child along their journey. Parents may find challenges unexpectedly – sometimes weeks, months or even years later. What matters is the consistent understanding, support and recognition that this process is not linear.
"Unlike adults, children lack the emotional and mental tools to process experiences such as sexual assault. Therefore, this trauma can affect their developing minds and sense of self. If you know or suspect a child who has experienced sexual abuse, it is best to consult with a child psychologist with experience in trauma. Professional guidance is invaluable in navigating complex behavioural and emotional responses that may arise, and both parents and children can benefit greatly from support," concludes Bene.
UAE child protection law
The UAE implemented a comprehensive child protection law to safeguard the rights and well-being of children living in the country. The Federal Law, known as the Wadeema's Law, is the cornerstone of child protection in the country.
Named after a tragic case involving child abuse, the law aims to ensure children's safety, welfare, and development. In 2012, a girl named Wadeema was abused and killed by her father; the incident shook the consciousness of the nation, which led to the introduction of Wadeema's Law in 2016.
The law - which covers UAE nationals as well as children of expats - lays out the legal rights of minors in the UAE, and is designed to protect children from birth to puberty from a variety of forms of abuse, including physical, verbal and psychological abuse.
Ajanta Paul is a Senior Editor on the Digital team. A natural leader and newshound, she thrives in breaking news and high-pressure situations — and enjoys reporting on community issues that matter to UAE residents.