Child Abuse In Saudi Arabia

Research Question: Does the culture and mindset of Saudi’s have an impact on the existence of neglect and emotional abuse of children? How is it viewed by the world? And what is the reality?

Discussion

Children are precious and are likely to gradually learn how to control their own behavior to grow up with a pleasant, and amusing childhood; building their blocks of the future. Mistreating children at the hands of parents or caretakers on the other hand has a long history. In Saudi Arabia the practice of child abuse is culturally accepted form of discipline. Although, the history of the concept of child abuse remains vague in many parts of the world, it existed since the late seventeenth century onwards. According to the World Health Organization

Repeated and long term intolerance of child behavior induces many psychosocial harm to culture. According to the UNICEF the legal status of child care programs in Saudi Arabia can potentially place the child in danger. There are no educational centers for parents for good parenting strategies or stress management. There is no way to address or reference abused children except through suspicion of the healthcare team. In many cases emotional abused victims are not taken to hospitals, on the contrary, they are often neglected as part of the abuse cycle. The UNICEF indicts that in Saudi Arabia, as in many effluent countries, paid care givers are given exclusive responsibility for raising children. The real problem lies in that servants and maids are taking care of the house chores and the child. In many cases this results in a number of lethal accidents within the Saudi Homes. Mahatma Gandhi said in his speech Nonviolent Resistance: “No clapping is possible without two hands to do it, and no quarrel without two persons to make it”. The Saudi education ministry and the Saudi health ministry have to work hand in hand. Spreading awareness and educating is vital and can potentially save lives of hundreds of children per year in Saudi Arabia and around the

On the other hand, according to many governmental sources further steps must be taken. In December 23rd, 2008, it was published in Um-AlQura newspaper, that a necessary effort was required when the United Nations passed a resolution addressing the rising alarm of domestic violence and child abuse in the world especially 3rd world countries. Effective protection and prevention plans must be brought to the table, such as but not limited to social protection committees, awareness and accurate media campaigns, and training. According to Dr. Fayza Al Jishi, the head of the Abuse Committee in the Eastern province: “The Saudi ‘Shura’ Council (legislative parliament) is currently reviewing drafts for two bylaws addressing the issue of Child abuse and neglect (CAN). The first is the Child Rights and Protection Act and the other is the Social Protection Act.” In relation to ways of broadcasting she added: “Currently, only healthcare professionals are authorized to report all suspected cases of CAN.” Saudi Arabia must start preventing child abuse and not approach a reactive effected child already, the country must shift from protection to prevention to avoid dealing with harsh cases; it is not enough to continue to act on abuse after it occurs, there is a need to confront the problem from the