In a heartbreaking yet courageous act, a 10-year-old boy in Dubai recently reported his father for repeated physical abuse, utilizing the Dubai Police smart app to seek help. The boy, identified only as A.A., had been suffering in silence for months, unable to understand the reasons behind the physical punishments or to speak out about the pain he endured. His story, which has now been shared by Dubai Police, serves as a crucial reminder to the public that help is always available and that no child should suffer in silence.
A Cry for Help Through Technology:
A.A.’s situation came to light when he was discreetly able to report his father’s cruelty via the Dubai Police smart app. Although the boy did not fully comprehend why he was being singled out for punishment, especially since his younger siblings were not subjected to the same treatment, the constant beatings left visible bruises on his body and a deep emotional scar. The pain was becoming unbearable, and he feared his classmates would notice. This fear, however, did not stop him from reaching out for help through the app, one of the many confidential channels available for reporting abuse.
Support from School Social Worker:
A.A.’s journey toward safety and healing began when his school noticed troubling signs. Teachers observed that the boy was struggling academically and showing physical signs of abuse. It was a school social worker who gently built trust with A.A. and, after some time, helped him feel comfortable enough to report the abuse through the police app. Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Ali Al Matrooshi, Director of the Child and Women Protection Department at Dubai Police, emphasized the importance of the school’s role in identifying signs of abuse and supporting the child in coming forward.Dr. Al Matrooshi stated, “The child was afraid to speak up, but the bruises on his body and the fear on his face spoke volumes.”
Father’s Justification and the Law’s Intervention:
After receiving the report, Dubai Police acted swiftly, calling in the boy’s father for questioning. During this process, the father admitted to physically punishing his son but insisted that he never intended to cause harm. According to the father, his strict discipline was meant to “toughen up” his son, similar to the way he himself was raised. However, this justification was met with a firm response from the police.Dr. Al Matrooshi explained, “He thought that being strict would prepare his son for life, but instead, it left the child feeling alone, afraid, and falling behind in school.”The police made it clear to the father that such methods of discipline were not only damaging but also illegal under the UAE’s child protection laws. He was warned that corporal punishment and similar forms of abuse are punishable by law. The father expressed regret and promised to change his behavior, pledging to adopt more appropriate methods of parenting.
Ongoing Support and Monitoring
The police have assured that A.A. will receive the necessary emotional support and counseling, in collaboration with social services. Dr. Al Matrooshi reassured the public that Dubai Police are committed to protecting children, providing support, and helping families heal. “We are here to protect children, listen to them, and help families heal,” he said.The case serves as a powerful reminder of the resources available to victims of abuse in the UAE. In line with the UAE’s Wadeema Law, which protects child rights, the General Department of Human Rights urges anyone aware of abuse to report it immediately, through the police app, website, or hotline (901). The Child Oasis Center at Al Twar police headquarters is also available for those who need in-person assistance.