Safety of children begins at home
Child abuse is not just about black eyes and bruises. The emotional turmoil lasts longer. So, when does a child get abused? Putting a child in an unsupervised and dangerous situation, ignoring a child’s needs, or making him or her feel worthless are all forms of abuse, along with the more obvious ones like sexual abuse and violence. While the latter is serious and there should be no leniency by law, the former also requires legal intervention, to safeguard the rights of the child. Yes, it’s hard to imagine that someone can intentionally hurt a child. But it has been happening all around us, very close to us. In a shocking case recently, police investigations have revealed that a 11-year-old boy found dead on the roof-top of an Abu Dhabi building last week, was sexually abused and suffocated to death. The perpetrator has admitted to the heinous crime. Last year, 8-year-old Obaida was reported missing and his body was later found under a tree. His killer, who had kidnapped and raped him, has rightfully been given capital punishment. Such severe punishments will ensure our children remain safe.
But have they with the latest assault and murder of the young boy? Can we as parents be sure that our children are safe? Aren’t we anxious when they are out of our sight? Can the child — girl or a boy — be left alone in the nearby park with friends? Can he or she be allowed to go out alone to that vacant parking lot after school for a game of cricket or football? Why, even the corridors and terraces of buildings have ceased to be safe for them? What assurance do we have that the child will return home safe when there could be perverts lurking around the corner? The UAE’s Federal Law No 3 of 2016 ensures that every child in the country has the right to live and be safe, protected from neglect and all forms of abuse. And anyone in contact with a child, including parents, teachers and medical professionals could be held accountable. The onus now lies with parents and the society at large to watch out for their young ones, and report immediately if any neglect or abuse is suspected.