Ministry records 8,016 abuse cases this year

Suad Al-Shimrani Okaz/Saudi Gazette RIYADH — The Ministry of Social Affairs has recorded a total of 8,016 cases of abuse during the current year. Social Protection General Director  in the ministry, Abdullah Al-Mohsen, said the ministry recorded a total of 7,234 reports of abuse during the past year. “There are different types of abuse; physical sexual and emotional. In Riyadh alone, there were 1,924 reports of 2,128 abuse cases. Makkah had 1,835 reports of 2,054 cases of abuse. Eastern Province had 1,101 reports of 1,164 cases of abuse. Asir had 615 reports of 685 cases of abuse,” said Al-Mohsen. He also said Qassim had 430 reports of 465 cases of abuse. “Jazan had 318 reports of 375 cases of abuse. Madinah had 306 reports of 369 cases of abuse. Hail had 194 reports of 205 cases of abuse. Tabuk had 180 reports of 211 cases of abuse. Baha had 132 reports of 139 cases of abuse,” said Al-Mohsen. He also said Najran had 87 reports of 100 cases of abuse, Jouf had 56 reports of 60 cases of abuse and Northern Borders had 56 reports of 60 cases of abuse. “Women are much more aware nowadays than they used to be. They understand that they have the right of safety and security within their household and they understand it is their responsibility to inform the authorities in case of abuse,” said Al-Mohsen. He added the media and the education directorates deserve the biggest credit in raising awareness of the issue of abuse. “The number of human rights and family rights organizations have increased as well. Victims of domestic abuse now have a place to go where they feel protected. The victims do not have to worry about jeopardizing their safety when they want to report their abusers,” said Al-Mohsen.