|
Dubai: The Dubai Women's and Children's Foundation has been set up by the government for victims of abuse.
Afra Al Basti, Chief Executive Officer at the foundation said they will provide all necessary assistance, including a safe place, psychological and healthcare as well as the necessary counselling to those who have been mistreated and exploited.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued a decree last year to set up the foundation, the only licensed organisation in the country to provide support for abused women and children of all nationalities.
The foundation is nestled in the midst of green landscaping and is sheltered by numerous trees. The building was donated by the Dubai Police to house the victims.
Its facilities include a gymnasium, swimming pool, basketball and volleyball courts, school, clinic, activity hall for children, playgrounds and restaurants.
"Apart from helping victimised women and children, our specialised team also helps resolve their financial and legal issues," said Al Basti. "We also help in their repatriation home if they wish."
The foundation works in tandem with other local and federal government departments to protect the rights of women.
Solution
"When we started operating we received 110 cases and 65 left for their home countries after we solved their issues. We were able to find jobs for some of them here," said Al Basti.
She added at the moment there are 44 cases and 25 of them are children.
Al Basti said the government provides grants to the foundation with the support of Shaikh Mohammad.
"We are trying to apply the best practices in all our services because we are seeking the accreditation of international organisations," Al Basti said.
The school at the foundation is licensed and supervised by the Ministry of Education. There are a number of children of various ages and nationalities who are victims of different kinds of exploitation, ill-treatment, violence and abuse.
Teresa, a teacher at the school, said most of the children have never been to school before.
"They are all traumatised in some way or another. Our job is not like any other job. I have to know each child and all their cases. I love them all. They are amazing children," she said. The children vary in age from six to 16.
"We have a 17-year-old boy and I am giving him private tuition because of the big difference in age with the other children in the school," she said.
One of the victims is a seven-year-old girl who was sold by her Iranian mother who got pregnant as a result of an illicit relationship. The parents who illegally adopted the newborn girl both sexually abused her.
Contact: Seeking help?
If you are abused, mistreated or harassed and seeking help contact the foundation on 606-0300. You can approach any police station in the country and they will help you to reach the foundation.
From May onwards, you can contact the foundation on the hotline: 800-1111 for help.
|
