JEDDAH — The Ministry of Social Affairs on Tuesday admitted three sisters into a protection home after they underwent severe emotional and physical abuse at the hands of their father. Jeddah Social Protection Home head Saleh Bin Sarhan said they received reports from the girls' teachers at school that they are undergoing emotional and physical abuse from their father and urgent interference was needed. “Results of the initial medical examination of the girls showed that they had suffered severe burns to their feet and hands. A hot metal rod was used to inflict these burns,” said Bin Sarhan. The protection home sent social workers and experts to investigate the case and the girls were admitted to King Fahd General Hospital. Once the abuse was confirmed by doctors and investigators, the girls were sent to the Social Protection Home. The principal of the eldest girl's school said a teacher noticed the 12th grader not wearing her shoes one day. When she was asked why, the girl showed the teacher the burns and told her that her two sisters, in 7th and 8th grade, had been burned as well. “After investigating with the girl, we learned that their father is not only abusing them but also their six siblings. We reached out to the mother who turned out to be scared of reporting her husband. She knew her daughters were being abused but she fears that her husband will divorce her,” said Bin Sarhan. Social worker at King Fahd General Hospital Khayriyah Al-Mubaraki said the case was disturbing and the father should be reported to the police immediately. Bin Sarhan said the father is currently under interrogation and the family is being provided with full protection and care.
