Новое исследование в Омане выявило причины задержек в сообщении о случаях жестокого обращения с детьми

Muscat: A new study conducted by Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) has identified key factors contributing to delays in reporting child abuse cases in Oman. The research warns that late reporting can expose children to prolonged physical and psychological harm, underscoring the vital importance of early intervention. Prepared by Dr. Zainab bint Nasser Al Azri, Assistant Professor in the Department of Child Health at the College of Nursing, the study analyzed 1,070 confirmed cases of child abuse to better understand why many incidents remain undisclosed for months or even years before reaching the relevant authorities. The findings revealed several distinct patterns regarding reporting delays: Conversely, the study highlighted the critical role of professionals in child protection. Cases identified or reported by teachers, healthcare workers, and social workers were significantly less likely to experience delays than those reported by the children themselves or their family members, underscoring the importance of training frontline professionals to recognize and report signs of abuse promptly. To strengthen child protection in Oman, the researchers recommended expanding public awareness campaigns to address all forms of child abuse, increasing child protection education in schools, and providing safe, confidential reporting channels. Additional recommendations include enhancing training for teachers, healthcare professionals, and social workers, broadening routine health screening programmes for children across different age groups, and strengthening legal protections for whistleblowers alongside increased investment in child protection services. The study concludes that delayed reporting is driven by a complex combination of social, cultural, family, and institutional factors, emphasizing that safeguarding children requires coordinated efforts from the entire community.