8,016 cases of abuse recorded in one year

RIYADH: The Ministry of Social Affairs handled 8,016 cases of physical and psychological abuse during the past Islamic calendar year that ended on Oct. 13.
This is according to Abdullah Al-Mohsen, director general of social protection at the ministry, who said that it had dealt with 7,234 reports from individuals contacting officials about abuse.
Al-Mohsen was quoted as saying in a local publication on Monday that Riyadh Province topped the list with 1,924 reports, followed by Makkah with 1,835 and the Eastern Province with 1,101.
Al-Jouf had 56 reports and 61 cases, the Northern Border 56 reports and 60 cases, and Najran 40 cases and 87 reports. The ministry received 23 reports from women, 16 from males under 18 years of age, and 20 from those between 19 and 35 years of age.
Seventy percent of the cases involved physical and psychological abuse. There were no cases of sexual abuse, suicide or neglect recorded. A total of 57.5 percent of the cases involved violence between spouses, which were resolved amicably, the ministry stated.
Most cases were reported on the phone number 1919 provided by the ministry; others by fax. All cases were handled according to the current legislation and with full confidentiality, the ministry stated.
Commenting on domestic violence in the country, Ali Zakri, head of the psychology department at Najran University, said that cases involved physical and psychological abuse stemming from “frustration, desire for revenge or self-defense.”
Zakri said a study conducted in Arab countries found that men were more likely to be the perpetrators because of their physical strength. It showed that these societies tolerated violent behavior.
The study also showed that level of education was a factor in domestic abuse cases, with uneducated wives making up 77 percent of victims, and educated wives only 4 percent, he said.
Abdulaziz Al-Khamis, director general of the ministry in Najran, said a great deal was being done to raise awareness about violence and abuse, especially among those most vulnerable. This includes information on legal protection, with visits to schools and through community events.
Ibrahim bani Hamim, the head of the committee against violence and abuse at the Najran health department, said cases are recorded at hospitals and then monitored. There is complete confidentiality maintained, he said.
The ministry stated that cases are dealt with in terms of severity and then passed on to the relevant departments or counseling bodies. The ministry provides shelter for victims needing protection, including the provision of food and clothing.