Sharjah registers 401 cases of child abuse in 90 days

The frontline team of social workers, psychologists and lawyers are on 24/7 duty.

Sharjah has registered as many as 401 abuse cases involving children of various nationalities during the last three months, according to complaints received on the child abuse helpline at 800700.
Maha Al Mansouri Director of Communications at the Sharjah Social Services Department (SSSD), said the calls covered reports about sexual abuse, physical abuse and negligence. Most of the calls were regarding physical abuse by parents, caregivers or other people who had access to the children.
The frontline team of social workers, psychologists and lawyers are on 24/7 duty and they respond to the calls, take down the details and then forward the cases to various concerned departments including the police to initiate suitable action.
Mansouri urged parents to be patient during the stay home period and not take out their frustrations on the children because they are confined to the house. Instead, she recommended they take this opportunity to spend quality time with children and shower them with love, affection and use the day to teach them manners and religious values.
"Beating up children is an unwise act. It affects the child's ability to learn the rules of good conduct and grow up to be a normal citizen in the future,' she said.
She also stated there are many cases of teenage girls who run away from their families as a result of physical abuse such as beatings, physical violence by father, mother, brother or relative."
The chat abuse line also receives communications through WhatsApp at 065015995 (chat bot) which has been recently launched by the SSSD to ensure immediate follow-up of the cases reported with a complete clarity on the procedures that guarantee the interest of the child and the confidentiality of the caller of the abuse report.
Maha Mansour made it very clear that the department was keen to enhance its communications network with various members of society through the call center. It is also open to investigate issues concerning the elderly, women protection, home care, and the need for urgent intervention.
The hot line also responds to inquiries by adults and offers psychological, legal and social consultations through qualified specialists in child psychology.
These efforts are in keeping with the aspirations of the government of the Emirate of Sharjah and the endeavor to provide the highest levels of protection and safety for the child thereby making a tangible contribution to the development of his capabilities and skills.
 
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com 

• Sharjah