Saudi Arabia announced the launch of its first campaign to combat domestic abuse with the inauguration of the first center to protect children, women and the elderly in Mecca on Wednesday. Sheikh Saleh al Turki, chair of the social development committee part of Mecca city council and head of al Bar association in Jeddah, said the move was in response to a June resolution by the council calling an authority to be established to protect children, women, and the elderly from domestic violence. A number of working groups would also be created to oversee medical, judicial and preventive measures, he added. Cases of domestic abuse and slavery, denounced in international reports, will not be solved, al Turki indicated by denial, but rather, constructively addressing these problems in a transparent way and encouraging every individual feels responsible for their family and society and their country’s international reputation. The center will welcome victims of domestic abuse for a temporary period whilst their case was being processed or awaiting peaceful resolution. Several government authorities including hospitals, police, social and educational associations were expected to forward cases. Runaway girls will also be admitted and a study will conducted to determine what causes youngsters flee their homes.
Fatima Salih Ghazali, who will head the center which can welcome up to 151 individuals at one time, told Asharq al Awsat the center would not serve as a permanent shelter but principally to provide a comfortable peaceful atmosphere for those suffering from domestic abuse before a suitable solution is found. Individuals will receive psychological and health support from specialists and receive assurances as to their safety.
| I dunno why, but I have this vision of some poor woman showing up, battered and bruised and bloody, to be read to from the Koran by some mufti until the old man shows up to collect her and bump her off. |