Alwaleed Foundation launches child abuse awareness campaign

The Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation chaired by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal has launched #Albyout_Asrar child abuse awareness campaign during the holy month of Ramadan. Although child abuse is considered one of the most critical issues in today’s society, only 10 percent of the cases are reported while 90 percent remain wrapped in a child’s sense of shame or fear of being subjected to punishment from the perpetrator.
Much could be done at societal level to prevent child abuse and neglect including shedding light on children’s rights, protects their dignity and ensures their natural growth socially, psychologically and physically. Furthermore, several international conventions and agreements are placed to ensure that children’s rights are protected. The Human Rights Convention defines child abuse as “any act or neglect that subjects a child’s life, safety, integrity, and health from a physical, sexual, mental, and psychological aspect to risk.”
Child abuse is a global problem that is deeply rooted in cultural, economic and social practices. In Saudi Arabia, 65 percent of the child abuse cases reported to hospitals include physical injuries such as bruises, welts, burns, scalds, lacerations and fractures.
Young children are most at risk of physical abuse.