Dubai: New techniques to question child victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse have been introduced by Dubai Police.
Based on the directives of Major-General Abdullah Khalifa Al Merri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, children in domestic violence, sexual harassment, abuse and violence cases need not go to the police station for giving statements. The child will be taken to a hotel, a play area or a public park for questioning.
Based on the principle that children may not fully understand what is happening with them, Dubai Police have ordered added protection for children under the age of 16 in domestic violence, sexual harassment, abuse and violence cases.
- Brig Ahmad Bin Galita | Director of Al Rafa police station
Brigadier Ahmad Bin Galita, director of Al Rafa police station, said the initiative is part of the Emirati Children’s Day which was celebrated across the country on Thursday.
“It is a creative idea to question children involved in such cases outside police station. Parents now will bring their child to different places like hotels, play areas or public parks,” Brigadier Bin Galita said.
The new spots will be provided with electronic devices and themes to make the child talk freely without fear.
“We will take the child to different places to break the ice as many children are afraid when they go to a police station. Sometimes, families themselves refuse to bring the child to the police station. We will use electronic devices to let the child speak without fear.”
Specialised officers will be part of the initiative after training them in new techniques and styles to deal with child victims in criminal cases.
In the past, police used to provide a special room to question children inside police stations.
“The child’s behaviour should be understood in relationship with the environment and the officers who are questioning the child. Through play, the officer will try to help the child feel a bond with the former.”
When there is a case of child sexual abuse, children may be the sole witnesses and children’s experience and knowledge are limited. Children may show signs of shame, fear, anxiety and embarrassment, Brig Bin Galita added.
“In order to understand the feelings of a young child, there should be special environmental influences during questioning.”
He said a child who is subjected to sexual abuse or violence is first taken to a hospital and the doctor may question the child and then prepare a report.
The younger the child, the lesser he or she will remember.
“If the child is interviewed carefully, a child witness can be competent to provide testimony.”
Dubai Police said the initiative also complements UAE Vision 2021 and Centennial 2071.
Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, said earlier that children are the true wealth of a society, and the UAE and its wise leadership give them all necessary care and attention.
The day was launched by Shaikha Fatima and will be marked annually on March 15.
The approval of Emirati Children’s Day coincides with the date on which the Wudeema law was issued [March 15, 2016], she said. Emirati Children’s Day was approved during a recent Ministerial Development Council meeting chaired by Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.
