Preventing child abuse and neglect in Saudi Arabia: are we ready?

Maha Almuneef1, Majid Al-Eissa

  • 1National Family Safety Program, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. mahamuneef@gmail.com

Annals of Saudi Medicine
|November 4, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Child abuse and neglect (CAN) recognition is growing in Saudi Arabia, but prevention programs are still developing. This paper reviews progress and outlines steps for implementing evidence-based CAN prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Child Welfare
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Child abuse and neglect (CAN) has been recognized by medical professionals for two decades.
  • Child protection services and maltreatment prevention programs are nascent in Saudi Arabia.

Observation:

  • Saudi Arabia is making progress in recognizing and implementing child protection services.
  • CAN prevention is a global healthcare priority, emphasizing evidence-based interventions.

Findings:

  • The paper reviews Saudi Arabia's progress in child protection services.
  • It identifies essential steps for establishing child maltreatment prevention programs.
  • The study assesses the readiness and challenges for implementing evidence-based CAN prevention in Saudi Arabia.

Implications:

  • This research highlights the need for structured approaches to CAN prevention in Saudi Arabia.
  • It provides a roadmap for developing and implementing effective, evidence-based interventions.
  • The findings are crucial for policymakers and healthcare professionals dedicated to child welfare.

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