By Abdulaziz Makhseed

KUWAIT: Children, the most valuable members of our society, constitute nearly 21 percent of Kuwait’s population, underscoring their pivotal role in shaping our nation’s future. Nevertheless, a grave concern looms over this reality: The prevalence of child abuse in all its forms — physical, emotional, and sexual. A private study conducted by the Kuwait Medical Society recently shed light on the harrowing extent of this issue, revealing that an alarming 12 percent of the 2,508 students surveyed had experienced mild exposure to sexual content at a young age, 7 percent had experienced direct inappropriate sexual violations by adults, and a distressing 2 percent had endured the trauma of rape.

However, a troubling question arises: Why is this critical issue not receiving the attention it deserves in mainstream media or authorized studies? The answer lies in the absence of a state-defined definition of child sexual abuse, which has led independent researchers to follow World Health Organization guidelines. Furthermore, the lack of official record-keeping places this serious matter in the hands of isolated professional experts, creating a gap between abuse victims and the appropriate authorities, including the police.

Kuwait Times spoke with Shaima Namavar, a certified child abuse prevention specialist, who emphasized that “child sexual abuse is a deeply entrenched problem that requires a united effort. Our progress in protecting our children is hampered by the lack of awareness in that matter. We need to educate parents, educators, and children about recognizing and reporting abuse.”

Another significant impediment to addressing this crisis is the fear ingrained in family structures and societal stigmatization, which frequently stifles the reporting of abuse cases. “The fear of tarnishing the family’s reputation often leads to a silence that perpetuates the abuse cycle,” Namavar explained. “Our society must shift its focus from shame to support so that victims can speak up without fear of retaliation,” she said.

However, there are rays of hope among these difficulties, as she emphasized the progress made. “Over the last few years, Kuwaiti society has taken steps toward addressing this issue. We’ve seen an increase in child protection discussions in schools and community gatherings. It’s heartening to see our community gradually recognize the significance of providing a safe environment for our children.”

A solution to this heinous problem requires increased awareness and comprehensive education on this sensitive subject. A recent study of 121 children found that, while many could recognize examples of abuse, their methods of identification varied significantly. This emphasizes the significance of a broad and approachable educational approach to foster collective understanding.

Every individual, family and community bears a responsibility to protect our children. Parents and caregivers must be educated on the signs of abuse and must report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities immediately. By supporting organizations dedicated to child protection, the community can also provide invaluable assistance. Recognizing child protection as a critical concern, it is incumbent on both authorities and the community to focus their collective efforts on ensuring the well-being of our children.

Despite numerous challenges, Kuwaiti society has made commendable progress in addressing this issue in a relatively short period of time. However, continued collaborative efforts are required to ensure the safety and holistic development of all children in Kuwait. We have the power to reshape the narrative and ensure a brighter future for our children by raising awareness, destigmatizing reporting and providing unwavering support to victims.