The Ministry of Community Development (MoCD) has released some special comics, designed to protect children of determination from physical, sexual and emotional abuse.

The ministry launched the initiative during a workshop at the Community Development Centre in Jumeirah on Wednesday.

Doodles of child-friendly cartoon characters starred in the comics, aiming to broaden the kids' knowledge and boost their self-confidence.

"The comics will also allow the specialists to identify any form of abuse that children could have gone through, based on their emotional expressions symbolised through the characters in the comic books," said Wafa Hamad bin Sulaiman, director of welfare and rehabilitation of people of determination at the MoCD.

Ministry officials said the comics include a collection of photos depicting real-life situations that can happen to children of determination. These could be scenarios that they have already encountered in their daily lives.

"We aim to educate these children in a simple way about the threats they may face, how to deal with them and report them," said Bin Sulaiman.

Fifteen ideas will be featured in the comics and these will involve different environments, such as home, school and clubs. The strips will also highlight interactions with various types of people like drivers, maids or a grocery owner.

She explained that comic techniques are one of the most effective methods to connect with people with mental disabilities and autism.

"Comics is an important visual source for children as they are easier to follow, more effective and faster than written stories," said Bin Sulaiman.

Illustrations also allow children to interact with the characters in the stories and adopt positive behaviours, she added.

A traning programme was also launched for social workers and psychologists working at centres for people of determination. It will be handled by the Department of Welfare and Rehabilitation for People of Determination.

"The programme will educate caretakers on how to present the comics to the children and how to discuss the possible abuse scenarios the kids may be faced with," said Bin Sulaiman.

The department will also tailor individual therapeutic programmes for children who have suffered abuse.

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