45% of abused kids victims of relatives in UAE

Relatives are the main culprits in molestation crimes in the UAE as an average 45 per cent of the abused children are victims of family members, according to a study.

The study, presented to a child care seminar in Dubai this week, found that boys are more vulnerable to sexual abuse in the UAE and warned that such crimes against handicapped children will only block their integration into the community.

Presenting the study, Dr Mamdouh Mukhtar, a well-known psychiatrist who works as adviser to Dubai Police and Sharjah Higher Family Council, said his findings were a result of a survey in 18 schools in Dubai and it covered the 6-12 years age group.

“The survey revealed important facts, which showed that boys are subject to molestation more than girls,” he said.

“It also showed that nearly 45 per cent of the molested children were victims of their relatives, including uncles and other family members.

“Some of them are also victims to maids at their homes. “The study also showed that around two per cent of children normally suffer from depression compared to five per cent for adults.

“But nearly seven per cent of molested children have depression, more than the adults.”

Dr Mukhtar some of the molested children are handicapped, adding that such crimes are only “killing their hopes of integrating in the community”.

“These children then start to suffer from isolation while some of them start to become violent or suffer from fear at night

The problem is that most of the children can become molesters when they grow up.”

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