Over 1,000 Cases of Child Abuse Registered in East Azerbaijan in the First 9 Months of the Current Year

The Director General of the Welfare Organization of East Azerbaijan Province announced the registration of 1,474 cases of child abuse during the first nine months of the current year in the province. According to the definition of the World Health Organization, any physical or emotional abuse, sexual exploitation, neglect or behavior accompanied by indifference or exploitation that results in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or dignity in the context of relationships or responsibility, trust or power is considered child abuse.

According to the Hrana news agency, citing IRNA, Fargol Sahaf, Director General of the Welfare Organization of East Azerbaijan Province, announced the registration of 1,474 cases of child abuse during the first nine months of the current year in the province.

Speaking in this regard, she said: Child abuse is divided into four types including emotional, physical, sexual, and neglect and indifference. The most common type of child abuse in East Azerbaijan is neglect and indifference. Family neglect of children’s basic needs such as food, clothing, education and proper care is considered part of this type of child abuse.

Ms. Sahaf stated: Leaving children with people who cannot control their psychological and mental balance creates conditions for serious and irreversible child abuse. Some addicted individuals or people with mental and psychological illnesses, when they find conditions suitable for child abuse, can cause serious harm to children.

She noted that child abuse occurs more frequently in broken and tense families, unemployment of the family breadwinner, lack of financial resources and addicted parents, and said: Lack of sense of responsibility by the father and the presence of economic pressure, if it leads to remarriage without regard to the moral and social characteristics of the couple, can expose children to dangers resulting from unsuitable stepfathers or stepmothers.

According to the World Health Organization’s definition, any physical or emotional abuse, sexual exploitation, neglect or behavior accompanied by indifference or exploitation that results in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or dignity in the context of relationships or responsibility, trust or power is considered child abuse.

Source: Hrana