Bonds magazine issue 2 english

April 2015 Issue 2

Dubai Foundation For Women & Children Publications

She Says Child Abuse became a very trending topic, built behind a very serious issue.

The root of all evil if we may call it. A cycle of abuse can go on for generations if not stopped or treated and we are here to help those in need of a consultation, care, or shelter, but what can you do?

Raise awareness, be an ambassador.

Bond magazine’s second issue is dedicated to raising awareness on child abuse from all aspects, the types of abuse, the consequences, the signs, and tips on dealing with it. We hope that you forward this knowledge to as many people and make a difference in the prevention and protection of a child’s life. Be a child’s hero, because some villains are closer than you think.

Afra Al Basti Director General

Content

Hero In the Shadow 1

Partners in Humanity

Dr. Aysha AlBusmait:

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Facts & We’ re Social Figures

Facts & Child Abuse Figures Tips & Signs

Play ChildTherapy Abuse Tips Feauture & Signs

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PlayTherapy Feauture

PlayTherapy Feauture

Humanitarian Patrons

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Hero In the Shadow:

Hanna Mohamed What do you do at DFWAC? I am a housing supervisor.

Why have you chosen job role?

The main reason is that I love helping others, and since my job role is a housing supervisor it is categorized under humanitarian services which is a big part of who I am and appeals to my character.

What is a normal day at work for you?

I arrive at the foundation where I then meet my colleague who hands over the shift to me. We discuss the workflow and any other important details about the section. I then go over to check on all the sheltered cases and ensure that their daily needs and requirements are met; this includes outdoor appointments, transportation, personal items, daily medication, activities and general hospitality services.

If for instance we have a new case, I have to go ahead and explain the rules and regulations of the shelter along with a department and facility tour. A suitable room is given to each case based on the specific details and requirements which we have to assess and take into account when choosing the correct accommodation.

I also check up on all the cases health condition, and if there was any health concerns I transfer them to the nurse here at the foundation. I then report it to the specialist who goes ahead and books an appointment at the hospital with an accompanying transfer letter.

A daily inspection of all the sections and facilities of the shelter including all rooms, lounges, laundry room, bathroom, gym, dining room, mosque and clinic, if there are any maintenance concerns I make a note of it and forward it to the concerning department.

I have to record all daily medications and ensure their

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prompt delivery. I supervise the meals being served and make a note on any suggestions or concerns I have.

The cleaning and making up of the rooms, restaurant and all other facilities have to meet a certain standard and must be provided to all the cases without discrimination.

A daily inspection of each room must be conducted and taken note of to ensure no violation of rules. This daily report then is handed to the housing manager to follow up with the workflow.

I also arrange and prepare all the cases to all their internal and external appointments. They all have to sign in and out so that we are aware of their location at all times. If needed I accompany some cases to their external appointment under the supervision of the Department Director.

The first aid box must be available and fully stocked at all times in case of emergencies.

I check all the inventory of the stores and submit the report to the department in charge. We also have a monthly prize which is given to the cases, this is based on the individual or family that displays the model behavior and the most tidy and well maintained room. This is a form of encouragement given to the cases to help continue good behavior and to look after the facilities.

All violations of rules and bad behavior is reported and taken note of.

The use of the TV is based on schedules coordinated so that all members get equal time in front of the TV. I have to keep an agenda so that during the weekly meeting with my colleagues we cover all the negative and positive issues we may have.

I distribute clothing items for the victims according to our policy, whether it is their first time at the shelter or if they are renewing their stay.

How do your experiences at work affect you?

It personally made me stronger and boosted my self-confidence. I feel I am more experienced now in dealing with various groups in society and in addition I am able to cope with problems in a professional manner.

How does this job affect your personal life?

I am more aware and knowledgeable on how to deal with people and it has also helped me notice many things in everyday life.

What do you do to unwind at work?

I pray and ask God to help us and always be with those who need his help and to fulfill their needs.

How does it feel to make a difference in the lives of the victims every day?

I have a sense of satisfaction at the end of the day and this is truly a blessing from God. Humanitarian work rewards me twice, once in this life and the second is in the afterlife in heaven if God wills it.

How do you feel when the pressure is high at work?

Firstly we have to thank God for all life’s blessings. I try and respond to the difficult situations with caution and the aim to alleviate suffering and stress by trying to comfort and calm the victim. I make sure during the situation that the victim feels safe to share all feelings and try to resolve the issue the best that I can.

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Partners in Humanity

DFWAC Honors The Strategic Partners In Its Annual Cermony HE Dr. Abdullah Al Khayat, Chief of the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children’s board of directors, said that the Foundation was keen since its inception in 2007 to achieve its required goals, but also strived for innovation and excellence to achieve first place in the field of the care and rehabilitation of women and children.

This came in the form of a speech delivered by His Excellency during the Annual Ceremony to honor the partners. The ceremony was organized by the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children “DFWAC” on Monday morning at the Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai.

During the ceremony, more than 75 governmental and non-governmental bodies and individuals were honored for their contribution to the initiatives and efforts of the Foundation since its establishment.

Dr. Al Khayat added in his speech during the ceremony: “We are inspired by the determination that does not know the impossible, the love of leadership and achieving number one, the inspiration of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and armed with a deep faith in the importance of the role played by the Foundation to serve the UAE society, and protect it from all kinds of violence, to contribute in building stable families and a bright future for our children, to continue the process of prosperity in our beloved country.”

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Dr. Al Khayat thanked all those who provided support to DFWAC, pointing out the big achievements by the Foundation in the field of combating domestic violence, child abuse, human trafficking, despite its recent establishment. DFWAC received the Number one Award in the care and rehabilitation services within the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Program for Smart government. All of these achievements would not have been possible without the help of God Almighty and the great and ongoing support given by the leadership of the foundation. « HE Afra Al Basti, Director General of the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, in her speech during the ceremony, highlighted the achievements of DFWAC over the past year in 2014. One of the many achievements was the foundation’s helpline 800111 which received certification by the Child Helpline International Foundation, for having fulfilled all the conditions and international standards required.

She added that DFWAC has issued over the past year the first study in the UAE on the phenomenon of child abuse under the title: «Violence against children in the UAE society.» which included 4,111 students from across the counrty. In addition DFWAC organized numerous awarness campaigns that were aimed to various segments of the community. One of the main campaigns was the Childhood Protection Campaign, which saw a large participation of hundreds of children through the Childhood carnival.

HE Afra Al Basti said that the Foundation has contributed over the past year in organizing a number of events and international workshops on women’s and children’s issues. In order to enhance Dubai’s position as a center in the Middle East, such as participating in organizin g the Global Child Forum for the first time outside of Sweden. As well as organizing the regional workshop on international cooperation and issues of Human Trafficking, in collaboration with the High Commissioner for human Rights of the United Nations, both of which have been organized in Dubai for the first time.

She added that the foundation’s efforts over the past year culminated in obtaining the Number One Award within the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Program for Smart Government. DFWAC was honored to receive the award from His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin

Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council, stressing that all the achievements is a fraction of the ambition and aspirations of DFWAC to serve the UAE society and its citizens.

Mrs. Al Basti thanked all those who provided support to the Foundation during the past years, calling for the continuation of this cooperation and its promotion to continue the march of achievements for the benefit of the UAE society and its citizens.

The audience watched a short video about the role of the Foundation in providing care and rehabilitation to victims of violence, and the most prominent achievements in this area. To conclude, HE Dr. Abdullah Al Khayat and HE Afra Al Basti, honored the foundation’s partners from various government and private sectors and diplomatic agencies and international and local organizations.

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Dr. Aysha AlBusmait:

DFWAC helped me to reach the child who brightened up my life The Dubai Foundation for Women and children succeeded in offering hope of a brighter future for many of its cases, through shelter, care, psychological and social rehabilitation and also worked hard to provide alternative families for the cases that needed to compensate for the absence of the loving and caring family.

Among the success stories, a little girl who resided at DFWAC for some time was given the chance to meet with her new family who provided her with the needed care, attention and family atmosphere.

«Bonds» interviewed Dr. Aysha Al Busmait, Director of Communications and Marketing at Dubai Sports Council, who adopted the little girl «Reem».

Tell us about the story of getting to know this little girl and how was the first meeting?

Before having submitted my application to adopt a child, I was keen on adopting a new born baby girl, but I got contacted after applying and was told that I could come to see a three year old girl.

In the beginning I refused and told them that I wanted a newly born child, and that was because my friends convinced me it is easier to raise a younger child, but the person who contacted me from DFWAC saying: “Come see her, and then it is your decision as you are about to meet a tinier version of you!” and that’s exactly what happened. I went, sat there waiting for a few minutes that felt like hours, until I heard the voice of a child full of positive energy, shining like the sun on a

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clear day, and I fell in love with her before I even saw her, and all I remember is that she was saying: will you buy me a school bag? And that was the first thing I purchased for her, after that this little girl became my life, and her existence was the reason my world became a brighter place.

-How and when did you decide to adopt “Reem”?

I made my decision the second I heard her voice, and when I met her for the first time I didn’t want the visit to end and I immediately asked the Foundation about the next step, and when I will be able to take her with me? I was told that DFWAC will develop a plan that will last for two months, until

they are sure that everything is fine, and I had made my decision right away as I couldn’t wait until Reem moves in with me, but I wanted her to be the one to decide that, and she said to me after a month and a half, “I want to stay in a house with you, and that’s what happened.”

-How do you see the influence of DFWAC’s efforts on Reem’s life?

Thankfully it is clear that the Foundation is raising children at the best they can by providing the best education and knowledge of the traditions of the UAE and making it easier for them to handle the interaction between the child and parents after the adoption.

-What difficulties did you face to get closer to the child and how did DFWAC help you though this?

There is no doubt that the transfer from one environment to another needs time, time to adapt to the change, and it takes more time for children to get used to their environment. So the first phase was the most difficult period, but what made it easier for me is my great love and faith that it is just a period and it will pass no matter how difficult it may be. Also the specialists in DFWAC played an important role, especially Mrs. Ghanima Al Bahri, Care and Rehabilitation Director at the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, and the case managers, and I truly thank them for providing

me with the knowledge and experience of dealing with a child in general. I also thank the Community Development Authority CDA and Badria Al Shamsi who gave me the necessary support as well.

-How is your life with Reem now?

Reem is my daughter and her life is becoming like the life of any child living in the arms of his family, and all the members of her big new family love her and she is having a happy and peaceful life.

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@dfwac

According to studies the most thing elder people regret is not spending more time with their families .. you still have a chance #Dubai

@dfwac

Hearing you children’s voices in your house is a big blessing so don’t stop telling them how much you love them #advice #GoodMorning #Dubai

@dfwac

Treating domestic workers with respect and fulfilling their rights protects your children from abuse #advice #Dubai #UAE #domesticviolence @dfwac

@dfwac DFWAC’s team in the social care services section at #CityMakerscompetition #SkyDiveDubai #Dubai #UAE #excellence

#DidYouKnow That hugging your child promotes his mental health & self confidence, so did you give your child a tight hug today? #goodmorning

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@dfwac DFWAC received the“Special Mention Diploma from the European Union Delegation in the UAE today, which H.E. Ambassador Carlo De Filippi delivered to Shaikha Al Mansouri, Assistant Director Geneal for Corporate Support at DFWAC, and Fatma Hassan Essa, Business Development Consultant at DFWAC. #Dubai #UAE #excellence #awards

Facts& Figures

The most abusing categories to Children

Internal cases:

31 cases, 22 Emirati children, 8 children of other nationalities, and one child with unrecognized nationality.

Most of the victims were females 23, and 8 males, possibly because DFWAC’s shelter does not accept males over the age of 12.

28 cases of abuse against children was issued by the father, 2 by the mother, 2 by the stepfather, one by a relative and one case did not identify the perpetrator of the abuse.

The emotional and verbal abuse was 84%, and neglect and deprivation 81%, witnessing domestic violence 68%, financial abuse 58%, and 32% physical abuse, sexual abuse (2 cases).

Most of the children (24 cases) were sheltered in DFWAC with their mothers by 77%, and seven cases on their own by 23%.

External cases:

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36 cases, 19 Emirati children, 16 children of other nationality, and one child with unrecognized nationality.

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Most of the victims were females 21, and 15 males.

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17 cases of abuse against children was issued by the father, 12 by the mother, 4 by relatives who were responsible for the abuse, 2 by a friend, one by a school friend. and the rest of the cases were abused in order by brother, sister, family friend, another friend, the school’s students, teacher, maid and one case did not mention the abuser.

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The neglect and deprivation formed 53% (19 cases), physical abuse 47% (17 cases), emotional abuse / verbal 42% (15 cases), sexual abuse 22% (8 cases), financial abuse 14% (5 cases), and witnessing domestic violence 11% (4 cases).

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Some of the child abuse victims reported more than one perpetrator.

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Child Abuse Tips & Signs

Child Abuse: Child abuse constitutes all forms of abuse and misuse of power, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, and development.

The exposure to a direct or indirect form of maltreatment, and non-accidental injury to a child under the age of 18.

Types of child abuse Physical - Hitting, shaking, slapping, burning, and leaving a mark on the body.

Verbal / Emotional abuse

- Shouting, threatening, insulting, undermining, blaming, judging and intimidating.

- Neglecting, saying or doing things that make a child feel unsafe, unloved and unwanted.

Sexual Abuse - Occurs when a person tries by force to have sexual contact for his own gratification.

- Inappropriate touches, rape & watching pornography.

- Encouraging a child to engage in prostitution.

Child Neglect - Absence of adequate basic needs for the child such as food and shelter.

- Neglecting children emotionally, medically, and educationally. Inadequate supervision by parent and caregiver.

Signs and Symptoms Depression and anxiety Shame and guilt Fear Bruising Addiction Isolation and withdrawal Aggressiveness and impulsive Sleep and appetite disturbance Decline in academic performance or poor school performance

Who are the Perpetrators?

Perpetrating abuse cuts across social, academic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.

Perpetrators may range from family members, acquaintances, peers, to strangers.

Safety Steps Assure child’s safety.

Assure child that it is not his/her fault.

Seek professional help, such as medical consultation, legal consultation, and mental health consultation.

Remember Abuse may not leave visible scars but damages the child’s psychological wellbeing, and takes longer to recover.

It takes a moment for a child to get injured - the regret and guilt will last a long time and is difficult to overcome.

Provide love, respect, and support.

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How you do yo r ch u ild h make app y?

Fatma Bujsaim Mother of one Time, attention and lots of cuddling. I notice when I’m busy he becomes grumpy and moody, but when I give him the attention, he smiles at everyone.

Hind AlSayed Mother of two Listening to them, trusting them with responsibilities, building their selfconfidence, acknowledging their skills and not comparing them to others.

Moza Ali Mother of three Make a special time for each one of my children, and give them what they need from hugs and words of encouragement. Happy couples, happy kids.

Hamda AlMuhrizi Mother of one Be generous with your time and attention, allow them to make mistakes and deal with it reasonably. Even when your child is in the naughty corner, make sure you are there to communicate with them and tell them that you will always be there for them. Kids need to do activities with both parents, and also separate activities with each parent. No matter how much problems you have you need to always show love towards your spouse around your kids.

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Play Therapy Feature How did you come up with idea of the play therapy at DFWAC?

DFWAC offers its services to many children who have been exposed to all forms of abuse (physical, verbal, sexual, etc.). Most of these children have indicators and signs of psychological disturbance as a result of the traumatic experience they endured, so there was a need at foundation to search for alternative therapy sessions that provide psychological support for the children. It has become clear through extensive research and the opinions of various consulting experts both locally and abroad that the play therapy approach is a better way to provide therapeutic support for these kinds of cases. The room dedicated to this type of therapeutic approach has been designed to suit the most prestigious global practices and staff members have been trained to lead and support this type of therapy session.

What are the specifications of the play therapy room and what kind of the existing games there?

The room is designed in a way that is comfortable, spacious and has a lot of natural light. The room is divided into sections for the various activities. The most important activities that are available are:

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Expressive games:

Games that release aggression and violence:

Family Games:

Clothing:

Other games:

Costumes, facial masks and other theatrical props.

That promote positive behavior and aid in the therapeutic healing.

Allow selfexpression through coloring, clay and handcrafts.

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Play fighting such as using props to imitate boxing matches and sword fights.

Include dolls and role play using accessories such as milk bottles strollers etc.

How does play therapy work? type of treatment and can of the areas has psychological Play therapy is a language that a an older age group benefit relevance that appeals to their age child uses on a daily basis which from this type of treatment? group. Moreover the improvement is the language of play. All types and forms of games are used to identify the problem with the aim of trying to understand the level and type of abuse that the child has been exposed to. The games in which we are able to pinpoint the exact issue are expressed through various types of activities which include handcrafts, coloring and role play. During the activity the child’s behavior and reactions are being carefully monitored. After the first session a clear picture of the problem is available which is then used to design a treatment plan for the child in order for him/ her to reach their therapeutic goals.

The play therapy room is designed mainly to suit children from age 3 to 12 years old, but there is a section that allows the older age groups to express themselves artistically. We aim to seek the help of international institutes to develop the concept of play therapy to suit the older age groups.

How successful is this method to achieve the desired results compared to other methods?

The results are promising this is based on the psychological indicators during the sessions the children seem to be at ease and relaxed when in the room, this is because the room is designed in such a way categories that even the colors and dividing

What are the that can benefit from this

of the psychological state of the children after a certain number of sessions is better compared to the other forms of therapy.

We have many success stories with children who have experienced for example physical abuse or sexual abuse. The children have displayed notable improvements at the end of their treatment. Many of the cases were able to progressively get rid of severe symptoms of abuse such as nightmares, vomiting and insomnia. The result of the end of treatment is that the child gains self-confidence and skills to protect themselves from all forms of abuse.

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Humanitarian

Patrons

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+97146060300

+9714 2871177 info@dfwac.ae

www.dfwac.ae