Dubai: The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) handled 124 cases of domestic violence towards women over the age of 18 in the second quarter this year. an official said on Tuesday.
Afra Al Basti, director-general of the Foundation said two women have been sheltered. Emiratis were victims in 41 cases while 83 cases involved women from other nationalities.
Afra explained that about 90 per cent of victims were subjected to abuse by their husbands, while 7 per cent were abused by father, 4 per cent by the mother, 2 per cent by brother and 2 per cent of cases of abuse by stepfather.
In 75 per cent of the cases, the women faced neglect or deprivation, 55 per cent faced physical abuse, 52 per cent faced financial abuse while 16 per cent suffered sexual abuse.
In 113 cases, women contacted the foundation directly, The remaining cases were referred by Dubai Police, relatives, friends, schools, embassies and consulates.
Afra pointed out that the UAE’s diverse population makes it critical for the Foundation to providing care and protection to all victims of violence.
The Foundation is working to encourage members of the community to participate actively in stopping abuse, especially against women and children, by informing authorities promptly.
The Foundation receives public calls 24 hours a day in different languages on its 800111 helpline. It also provides advisory services and tips on how to prevent abuse.
