Maha Alumneef
Abstract
Addressing Child Abuse and Neglect in Arab Societies
In the Arab Societies, research about child maltreatment is scarce, and available research shows that CAN is common and underreported. In the era of the Arabian spring and the current armed conflict in many Arab countries (Syria, Yemen, Egypt, Tunisia, Iraq, Gaza ), many Arab children are living under difficult circumstances, many in refugee camps. Different forms of child maltreatments are prevalent in different countries in the middle east and north Africa (MENA) region. I will give a brief statistics on female genital mutilation (FGM), child labor, street children, trafficking, child marriage, and corporal punishment among different Arab countries. I will present data on child maltreatment notably child sexual abuse from Saudi Arabia using the ISPCAN child abuse screening tool for children (ICAST-CH). Data from the national Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) study in Saudi Arabia will also be presented as a model for the region.