281 cases of domestic violence reported in Dubai in 3 months

Dubai- A total of 281 new cases of domestic violence and child abuse have been reported to the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) in the third quarter of 2015.

The foundation said 170 of the victims were foreign nationals, whereas 109 cased involved Emiratis. Two of the victims’ nationalities were unknown.

“Violence does not have a nationality or a specific state, but it is a behaviour that can be found in all countries of the world,” said the foundation’s Director General Afra Al Basti.

Domestic abuse cases accounted for over a third of all reported cases with a total of 98 victims. Many of these cases pointed at the husband as the source of abuse. Other cases included 17 victims of child abuse, and 166 victims dealing with various humanitarian issues.

Afra confirmed that no cases of human trafficking had been reported during this period.

The cases resulted in 32 victims being sheltered by the foundation, and 249 victims receiving rehabilitation services.

Child abuse

Child abuse has also been brought to the forefront as 113 cases of domestic violence — of which the majority involved female victims — were reported to the DFWAC between 2014 and mid-2015. The children were aged between three months and 17 years.

Afra explained that the first stage of domestic violence results in a child feeling insecure and losing self-trust. Children suffering from emotional or physical violence will experience temper changes, mood swings and develop fear of the abuser. They often adopt unhealthy and disturbed behaviours that can act out in school.

In the long term, the child’s insecurity and mistrust can expand and affect his or her relationship with others. “The mood swings can develop into anxiety and depression, and the unhealthy attitude can indicate that a child may have one or more personality or psychological disorders over time,” explained Afra.

While there is often more than one abuser in each case, the father was reported as the abuser in 83 of the cases managed at DFWAC. “The abuser was the mother in 33 cases, the step-mother in four cases, and a relative in six cases,” said Afra.

The foundation identified emotional abuse as the most common type of domestic violence among the children at the centre.

“Emotional abuse can be found in all other types of violence such as financial abuse and neglect.”

The centre works to alleviate fear, stress and anxiety in abused children through many of its services. In cases where children need a shelter, a fully equipped villa is offered by DFWAC. “It’s equipped with all facilities ... We offer them 24/7 care, love, activities, health care, and other basic needs,” said Afra.

At the shelter and the centre, children are encouraged to speak out through verbal communication if possible or through drawings, painting and objects to express themselves and reveal more about their abuse history. They are also offered psychological and financial help, recreational activities, and a treatment plan to help them decide their next step.

Most cases were reported directly to DFWAC through its help line (800 111). Others were transferred by the Dubai Police, or reported through individuals, and other official bodies such as CID and courts.