UAE: Victims of domestic violence urged to report incidents

By Bassma Al Jandaly, Staff Reporter, Gulf News

Dubai: Women who are victims of domestic violence are being urged not to suffer in silence and report the abuse immediately.

"If you know someone who may be the target of domestic violence, encourage them to seek professional advice. Our helpline is anonymous and our mission is to provide free assistance for all victims of domestic violence," said Afra Al Basti, CEO of Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC).

She said since nobody reports such incidents, there are no official statistics for domestic violence in Dubai.

"When a family member is abused, it can have long-term destructive effects on the victim as well as the rest of the family. Our society must continue to work to stop domestic violence and assist in creating a loving and secure environment for our children and grandchildren," she said.


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The Dubai Foundation is bringing the issues of abuse in the home in the UAE to the forefront during the Elimination of Violence against Women and Children Month.

Violence against women and children is a global issue. The World Health Organisation estimates that domestic violence affects more than 50 per cent of women worldwide.

The United Nations Children's Fund estimates that more than 300 million children are also victims of child abuse and exploitation. Unfortunately Dubai is not immune to this.

Tarnishing image

According to Maria Jose-Alcala, Senior Adviser, Ending Violence against Women Section at the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM): "Violence against women and girls is a plague that tarnishes our very notion of humanity. And when it occurs within the family - what should be for everyone a most safe and loving haven - we all need to ask ourselves where our values are, that we should tacitly accept systematic abuse against women as acceptable. Domestic violence is tragically a universal and all too common phenomenon."

The Dubai Foundation was established to assist women and children in these situations of abuse and violence.

"We provide immediate assistance through shelter, medical care, and support services. Our doors are open to anyone who needs us. Ending domestic violence in the UAE is one of DFWAC's top priorities," said Al Basti.

Do you know anyone who has suffered domestic abuse? What stops women from approaching the concerned authorities in such cases? How can more women be encouraged to seek help? Fill in the form bellow to send your comments.


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Your comments

It is not only women who are abused in a relationship. Domestic abuse of men by women is perhaps more difficult to manage as men cannot defend themselves without risking accusations of being the abuser. This gives the abusive women freedom to attack without fear of retaliation or consequence.
From A Reader
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: November 05, 2008, 14:23

It would be easier for women to report such incidents if the contact details for DFWAC were advertised. Television advertisements create a huge impact and when repeated it helps memorise the number. Radio advertisements and billboards are also good options. It would encourage more women to step up.
Sam
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 05, 2008, 14:05

Victims of domestic violence prefer to keep quiet rather than come out in the open, because they are scared for various reasons. Firstly, it is hard to trust others for support and protection. They fear their situation could get a lot worse if they did. Secondly, if the victim comes from an influential family, they fear the organisation would not be able to do much to help or better their situation. The only way victims will start believing in these organisations is if strong measures are taken to support and protect them.
Kajal
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 05, 2008, 12:26

I am a housemaid and have worked for a family for the last six years. The owner of the apartment has two sons and has divorced his wife. Now, he wants me to divorce my husband who is back home so that he could marry me. I refused to marry him so now he is making my life hard.
Genet Kifle
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: November 05, 2008, 11:46

Many women, including myself, suffer from domestic violence but do not ask for help. This is because eventually women have to continue staying with the same person and any publicity would affect their own self-esteem, as well as the child's. I have a 7-year-old child, if I call the police and tell them my husband beat me then my child would witness all the police coming to the house. In the end, what is my guarantee that my husband would start treating me with respect? What if it gets worse because I spoke about it to someone else?
Sindhu Jacob
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 05, 2008, 11:18

Its good to hear that there is such a foundation in UAE, but my question is how far can you go to help these women? I know women suffering from domestic abuse.
Randa
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 05, 2008, 10:58

I believe domestic violence happens everywhere. I do not think the victims would feel comfortable sharing it because it would bring shame to many. I do hope for the best in this mission because abusing women is very inhumane.
Pia
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: November 05, 2008, 10:47

It is indeed sad that even today the very individuals who claim to be their guardians subject women to abuse. Intra familial relations are a very sensitive issue and considered private in almost all societies. What is even more appalling is the level of hypocrisy prevalent - many so-called highly placed men who appear to be the moral stalwarts of society are the ones who abuse their spouses back home. In most cases these hapless women are economically dependent on their husbands and often have young children dependent on them as well. Along with these shackles is the fear of ostracism and stigma - in the event of separation from their spouses. It is because of all these factors that most victims of physical and psychological abuse shy away from bringing the perpetrators of these heinous crimes out in the open. Instead they choose to suffer in silence, sometimes for years. We, as women must extend our helping hand to such sisters in distress and do all we can to help them. I believe that not reporting an incidence of domestic violence is only going to propel and encourage further such incidents, as covering up is not the solution to this burning issue. It is good to see action taken by the authorities.
Shiuli Dutt Dey
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 05, 2008, 09:38

I know someone who is suffering from mental and physical abuse from her husband and she does not know where to go. I hope this will help her in dealing with the situation.
Asad
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 05, 2008, 08:13

For the last eight years I have been physically and verbally abused in front of my kids and friends several times by my husband. I have not approached the authorities fearing that I would lose the custody of my two young children to their father. Another reason is the humiliation and pain that my ailing parents would go through because of this. I believe these are the common reasons that most women feel reluctant to come forth. However, the years of abuse has hardened me so much that I am a living example of a survivor.
From A Reader
Dubai,UAE