Abstract: Child Abuse and Neglect in Saudi Arabia

Author

Institution

Abstract

Recent times have seen an alarming increase in cases involving child abuse and neglect in various parts of the world. This has raised concerns especially considering that some of these cases go unreported. There exists a consensus among all groups of people that this vice needs increased attention. However, there are variations as to the responses that various groups feel would be essential in combating the vice. Volumes of literature have been written in an effort to explore the various aspects of the vice. This paper examines five works of literature that have been done on child abuse, as well as neglect in Saudi Arabia. It examines the contents of the literary works and outlines the reasons for picking it. In addition, it explores the comprehensiveness of the literary works and the approach that different papers have examined. Most of the books whose summaries have been written outline various studies done exploring child abuse, as well as neglect in Saudi Arabia. The key or fundamental aspect of the various works explored and summarized in the paper is that all or most of them are available in the internet. In addition, the comprehensiveness of the journals or literary works and their relevance to the topic under research were considered. The papers do not only explore the problem in the present times but also compares the historical aspect of it. It offers comparison and progress made in exploring child neglect and abuse in Saudi Arabia. In addition, it incorporates literary works that examine how medical practitioners have been treating the vice while giving insights into the efforts physicians have been making in combating the vice. On the same note, it examines a study that compares different countries in the Arab Peninsula as concerning child neglect and abuse.

Introduction

Cases of child abuse and neglect have been increasing tremendously. Of course, there are variations as to the levels of abuse and neglect that are experienced in different countries. However, Saudi Arabia has distinguished itself as one of the key culprits as far as the vice is concerned. Research shows that quite a large number of cases that involve child abuse or even neglect go unreported in Saudi Arabia, as well as various parts of the globe. In addition, most countries do not have comprehensive institutional frameworks to deal with the vice. Unfortunately, this only ends up abetting the vice. Research has shown that, in Saudi Arabia, extremely few cases of child abuse or even neglect are prosecuted or even examined with the seriousness they deserve. In most cases, they are never reported to the authorities, are tolerated and even encouraged as an effective way of disciplining children. However, it is noteworthy that there exists a difference between disciplining a child and engaging in acts that undermine the well-being of the child.

Child abuse goes beyond the physical aspects of abuse. It extends beyond broken bones and bruises and includes other aspects such as psychological and emotional abuse. However, the fundamental aspect that ties all these forms of child abuse is the emotional effect that they have on the child. It is always imperative that children have predictability, clear boundaries, and structures, not to mention the knowledge or recognition that they are safe with their parents. Child abuse deprives them of this feeling and replaces it with insecurity and aloneness. Child neglect falls under child abuse, and underlines a pattern where the parent fails to provide the fundamental needs of the child. While Saudi Arabia is making tremendous strides in combating the vice, more effort must be put so as to ensure the emotional health of children.