Dubai launch phone line for sexual abuse victims

Police have allocated a phone number for reporting sexual molestation against children. The victims and their parents can report any such cases through 04-2661228, where calls will be treated with top confidentiality and care, said Brigadier Khalil Ebrahim Al Mansouri, Director of Dubai Police's Criminal Investigation (CID) Department. Failing to report sexual harassment against children whether by the children themselves or their parents, which may result from fear of problems or social exposure, means harassment will turn into molestation and sexual crimes against children, Al Mansouri said. "These crimes are at the centre of attention for CID personnel because they are destructive for children, and the effect of these acts is never erased from the minds of victims," he said, adding that the community has a decisive reaction against those who commit such crimes. Brig Al Mansouri urged families to watch the behavior of people around them and warn their children to make sure they do not fall prey to such acts. Parents should also monitor their children's behavior inside and outside their homes, and not let them stay out for late or leave them with a driver unattended, he said. Children should be confident to tell their parents if they face molestation attempts by any person, and this confidence is instilled in them by the parents, he added. Psychological disease is the main reason that sexual molestation of children happens, and the attackers are usually people who try to satisfy their needs in a way that conflicts with religion, ethics and humanity, Brig Al Mansouri said, adding that taking mind-affecting substances such as alcohol, narcotics and prescription pills is also among the reasons behind these attacks. Other reasons include broken families, failure to discipline and teach children good values, the presence of many bachelor workers, and leaving children alone with domestic help for a long time. Brig Al Mansouri advised families to keep their children busy by enrolling them in summer activities and courses which keep them off the streets and occupy their time with a beneficial activity. From gulfnews.