By Rebecca Torr
Published: 20th October 2007
VICTIMS of child abuse are being helped to address their pain and regain their self-esteem and trust in others, thanks to a course conducted by a local centre.
The Batelco Centre for Family Violence Victims on Budaiya Highway runs an ongoing course for children aged between six and 18 who have been victims of sexual, physical and emotional abuse.
Prior to the course each child is assessed and an individual programme is set to meet their needs and to help them overcome such things as learning difficulties and behavioural problems.
By Rebecca Torr
Published: 20th October 2007
VICTIMS of child abuse are being helped to address their pain and regain their self-esteem and trust in others, thanks to a course conducted by a local centre.
The Batelco Centre for Family Violence Victims on Budaiya Highway runs an ongoing course for children aged between six and 18 who have been victims of sexual, physical and emotional abuse.
Prior to the course each child is assessed and an individual programme is set to meet their needs and to help them overcome such things as learning difficulties and behavioural problems.
“We teach them how to build trust again. Once we build trust, we can address their experiences,” centre president Dr Banna Bu Zaboon told the GDN.
“Many of these children can’t trust anyone at all, so we conduct activities such as drama, music and art that help them rebuild trust in others, especially in the family.
“If we don’t tackle these problems while they are children they will have more difficulties in the long run.”
Dr Bu Zaboon said some victims of child abuse suffer with learning and behavioural problems and are prone to run-ins with the police.
Some participants, she said, had been referred by the police as the course help them to get rid of negative behaviour and gain new skills and improve themselves.
“Growing up in a violent home can affect a child’s behaviour and this can reflect in their academic achievement,” she explained.
“We teach them how to protect themselves if they find themselves in an abusive situation and we also teach them how to express themselves and address their pain.
“We also teach them English and how to read body language and facial expressions.”
After the course, the centre conducted reviews with parents who reported their children’s self-esteem and behaviour had improved significantly and they had started to be more positive and smile again, said the clinical psychologist.
The course will resume after Ramadan every Saturday from noon and 2pm.
Meanwhile, between January and August this year, Dr Bu Zaboon saw more than 180 new cases and more than 370 follow-up cases at the centre and via the hotline.
Consultations
She held more than 900 consultations with abuse victims as well as family members and lawyers.
Dr Bu Zaboon will share the centre’s experiences and development at a Vital Voices conference in Amman, Jordan next month.
Leveraging Corporate Community Partnership to Support Women’s Progress will be held on November 3 and 4.
For help, or more information about the centre and courses call 17597777.
The toll-free Batelco Child Helpline is 88801888 and is open every day, from 4pm to 8pm, except Fridays and Saturdays. becky@gdn.com.bh
? Gulf Daily News
