JEDDAH — The head of the family protection unit at the Maternity and Children's Hospital said there were more than 20 child abuse cases in Jeddah this month alone. The cases included bodily violence and sexual assault of children of both sexes under the age of 18, Al-Yaum newspaper quoted Dr. Intisar Ashour as saying. Ashour violence in schools has declined compared to previous years. No sexual harassment cases in schools were reported this year. Ashour called upon education directorates and schools to report any psychological or social aberrations of students, so that they may be dealt with immediately. She added that people are more aware now that before and report any violence, assault or harassment cases to the authorities. Such cases are provided with necessary medical, psychological and social assistance. Bodily violence is not limited to women, as there are cases where men have been subjected to violence from their wives. She pointed out that the family protection units conducts visits to government and private hospitals to review violence cases. Ashour said their studies cover violence in society as a whole.
