Dubai Police respond to a child abuse complaint, reinforcing their Dubai child protection measures and legal support for victims.
Dubai: Dubai Police have reaffirmed their commitment to Dubai child protection following a distressing report filed by a 10-year-old boy who was being subjected to repeated physical abuse by his father. The case, brought to light through the Dubai Police smart app, triggered prompt intervention by the Child and Women Protection Department under the General Department of Human Rights.
The child, identified only as “A. A.,” bravely reported his father’s excessive cruelty, including beatings that left visible bruises. Despite his attempts to hide the injuries from classmates, his deteriorating academic performance and pale demeanour raised concerns at school. A social worker, gaining the child’s trust, urged him to seek help via the dedicated app—a move that enabled swift and confidential reporting under the provisions of the UAE’s ‘Wadeema’ child rights law.
Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Ali Al Matrooshi, Director of the department, highlighted that the boy had faced such abuse in isolation, with no understanding of what provoked the mistreatment. His father’s behaviour, it was later revealed, stemmed from a misguided belief that strict discipline would build character—replicating his own childhood experience. Upon being summoned, the father admitted to the abuse but claimed he never meant to harm the boy intentionally.
Dr. Al Matrooshi emphasised that while the father promised to reform, Dubai Police will pursue legal action to reinforce that such parenting practices are both unacceptable and punishable under UAE law. “This parenting method is entirely unacceptable and punishable by law,” he stressed.
The department has committed to ongoing support for the child, including tailored psychological and social counselling in partnership with specialist agencies. The case also highlights the importance of community awareness and the active role of schools in recognising signs of abuse and encouraging intervention.
Dubai Police reiterated that Dubai child protection channels remain open and accessible to all. Incidents can be reported via their smart app, website, hotline 901, or in person at the Child Oasis at the Al Twar headquarters.
