Arab News reports on the start of a new organization charged with creating public awareness of abuse within families, both spousal and child abuse. The organization, the Committee of Social Protection, brings together the Ministries of Health and of Social Affairs. It should also have ties with the Ministries of Justice and Interior, however, as law enforcement will be a necessary element as well. Maybe there should also be some new laws that explicitly define abuse so that things aren’t left to vague rulings based as much on culture as religion.

New body to monitor domestic violence
Arjuwan Lakkdawala I Arab News

JEDDAH: The Committee of Social Protection — a new organization consisting of various government departments acting in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Affairs — has launched a drive to create awareness among health workers about domestic violence and child abuse.

As part of the awareness campaign, health professionals working in private and governmental health facilities in Jeddah are being trained to look for signs of physical, emotional or sexual abuse, and child negligence.
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