Friday, Apr 16, 2010
Gulf News
Dubai Further research on the causes and effects of child molestation is needed to determine how society can cope with and address such problems, an academic said.
Speaking in a seminar on "Protect Childhood", Dr Suaad Al Marzouqi, a clinical psychologist and professor at the United Arab Emirates University, said a holistic solution is needed as sexual abuse issues are regarded as a societal taboo.
"Although it's not as common or prevalent in our society as other societies, but its existence still represents a threat that requires scientific research and studies. The issue should be recognised by the Emirati society and battled against without fear or embarrassment," said Suaad.
She said there isn't enough dialogue about the issue in the UAE, especially among the Emirati community.
Media's role
Another speaker urged the media to help raise awareness about child molestation issues by reporting the criminal cases and educating the public about the legalities and the penalties meted out to offenders.
One of the most dangerous factors about child molestation is society's fear and shame in confronting the problem.
"Because the topic of sex is taboo and there is a substantial lack of proper sexual education, our conservative society shies away from such topics. Many cases of sexual molestation of children go unreported and therefore this might result in the problem becoming more widespread and more complicated," said Badriya Al Farsi, Social Services Director of Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC).
The Protect Childhood seminar which was organised by DFWAC was attended by faculty members and counsellors from different schools and youth organizations.
The seminar was meant to confront the rising number of of molestation cases involving children.
The forum also discussed ways to solve the problem and discuss the issue with children and teenagers.
The seminar is part of the month-long Protect Childhood campaign.
Security
"We often focus on the public role of a family in helping to prevent such a thing, because of its great impact in preventing such incidents and providing security for the child.
|"The next important step that follows is to educate children and encourage them to discuss any suspicious behaviour that they might have received; this will also help to prevent more sexual molestation incidents," said Afra AL Basti, founder and Chief Executive Officer of DFWAC.
By Sara Janahi
Gulf News 2010. All rights reserved.
