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Focus: Child abuse

In child abuses cases, do parents fear social stigma more than the psychological damage on the child?

  • Staff Report
  • Published: 13:12 December 5, 2011

Picture for illustrative purposes only
  • Image Credit: Gulf News Archive
  • Picture for illustrative purposes only.

We have opened a page for robust debate among you. This page does not have a political stand and should be read in that spirit. We do not seek either to offend or to appease. We strive to present all points of view but expressed in a civil manner.

Speak up and be heard on the following:

  • Most children keep quiet about abuse because parents aren’t open enough.
  • Laws punishing those who fail to report cases of child abuse are the only way to create a safer society.
  • Parents fear social stigma more than psychological damage of a child.

Comments (3)

Share your views

  1. Added 11:40 March 3, 2012

    This is with regards to case Baby Falak from India especially.Since the time I have read this article in Gulf News (World Section )I am having sleepless nights. I really don't know how to reach directly with my voice. All I really want is that the baby gets well really soon. I humbly and kindly request the Authorities not to handover the baby back to her biological mother as she definitely don't deserve her back, instead kindly allow somebody to adopt her who is well capable to give her a bright future in terms of education and social status.please pass on this message if possible to the concerned Authorities....Thank You

    Mrs Mohammed, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  2. Added 22:36 December 5, 2011

    I think kids should be educated in schools for this aspect of society.

    KHUSH BAKHT, SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates

  3. Added 21:40 December 5, 2011

    As parents, and guardians, it is our responsibility to try to protect our children from abuse and molestation. I say try, because an abuser can be anyone. This can be a problem if we have a preconceived concept of what a predator looks like. When it comes to protecting our children, It is always better to err on the side of caution than to trust everyone. It is important not to automatically trust our children with anyone who appears to be nice or shows an interest in them. You must act as your child's advocate to make sure that those who have harmed them are punished. One should go to the authorities as soon as you are aware that abuse has taken place. I do not care who it was. Report the incident at once. Never let go. Assure your child that you will do all you can to protect them from that person in the future.

    Mathew Litty, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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