Dubai Police intervenes after 10-year-old reports father's abuse

Dubai Police have stepped in following a case of child abuse reported by a 10-year-old boy.

The Child and Women Protection Department responded after the boy used their smart app to report ongoing physical abuse by his father.

The child revealed he had been subjected to repeated beatings, leaving visible bruises and had tried to hide his injuries from classmates.

Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Ali Al Matrooshi, who heads the department, said the child had been suffering alone and did not understand what triggered the violence.

"Unlike his younger siblings, he endured this abuse in isolation, which left him unaware of the behaviours that triggered his father's harsh treatment. This included discouraging words and physical abuse, resulting in visible marks on his body," explained Al Matrooshi.

His situation came to light after school staff noticed his bruises and a drop in academic performance. A school social worker gained the child’s trust and encouraged him to reach out for help through official police channels.

Dubai Police brought in the father for questioning. While he admitted to the abuse, he claimed he was using harsh discipline modelled after his own upbringing.

Officers made it clear this behaviour is unacceptable and against the UAE’s Wadeema child protection law. 

Authorities say the boy is receiving psychological and social support, and the father has committed to changing his behaviour. Appropriate legal action will be taken against him.

Dubai Police are urging the public to report any child abuse immediately. Reports can be made confidentially through their smart app, website, by calling 901, or by visiting the Child Oasis at the Dubai Police headquarters in Al Twar.