How is a report submitted and what are the formal steps?

How is a report submitted and what are the formal steps?

Reporting cases of abuse is a legal duty for everyone who sees them. The system facilitates the reporting process and makes it secure and confidential.

Reporting channels:

• Domestic Violence Reporting Center (1919): This is the unified number designated to receive reports of abuse around the clock. It is the first and fastest line to deal with the situation.
• Police (999): You can report this directly to the police, especially if there is an immediate danger that requires urgent intervention.
• Regular obligation: Article Twenty-Two of the Child Protection System and Article Three of the Protection from Abuse System require anyone who becomes aware of a case of abuse or neglect to report it to the competent authorities immediately.
• Steps after the report: In accordance with Article 4 of the Protection from Abuse Law, the entity that received the report (the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development or the police) shall take immediate measures to assess the case, document the report, and initiate investigations to ensure the protection of the girl child.

How is the child’s statement dealt with in a way that protects her psychologically?

The regulations attach utmost importance to the child’s psychological state during the procedures, and ensure that he is treated with the utmost caution and professionalism.

• Multidisciplinary team: Article 22 of the Executive Regulations of the Child Protection System stipulates that investigations with children must be conducted in the presence of a multidisciplinary team (social and psychological), in addition to a lawyer.
• Using technology: To reduce psychological pressure on the girl child, Rule (12) of the Muscat Document for Child Protection Rules allows investigations to be recorded audio and video and conducted remotely, which eliminates the need for her frequent presence and prevents her from confronting the aggressor.
• Complete confidentiality: Rule (4) of the Muscat Document emphasizes the prohibition of non-specialists being informed of investigation procedures, and prevents the publication of any data related to the girl child, which provides her with a complete cover of privacy.

Is there legal protection to prevent the father from approaching her during the course of the case?

Yes, the system provides mechanisms to protect the victim and prevent continued or repeated abuse.

• Protection measures: Article 7 of the Protection from Abuse Law grants the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development the authority to make all necessary arrangements to prevent continued abuse.
• Removal and Shelter: In cases that pose a threat to the victim’s life, Royal Decree No. (M/72) of 1443 AH stipulates that immediate measures must be taken, including transferring the victim or aggressor to a suitable place of shelter until the threat disappears. This means that an order can be issued to keep the father away from the child and prevent him from approaching her.

What evidence or reports is recommended?

Collecting evidence is an important step to support the girl child’s legal position.

• Medical report: It is the most important evidence. You must immediately go to a hospital or health center to prepare a detailed medical report documenting any physical or psychological effects of the assault. The Code of Conduct and Attendance for General Education Students in Article (29) emphasizes the importance of an immediate medical report.
• Other evidence: Any other available evidence that could be useful, such as (letters, recordings, testimony of trusted witnesses, …etc.).

May the child or family be harmed in terms of residence or legal status due to reporting?

No, the system protects whistleblowers and victims and does not expose them to any harm due to reporting.

• Amount Protection: The Child Protection System and the Protection from Abuse System apply to all children and residents in the Kingdom. The goal is protection, not punishment. Article 6 of the Protection from Abuse Law exempts the bona fide informant from any liability if it turns out that the case is not abuse.
• Protection from consequences: There is nothing in the regulations that stipulates harm to the residence status of the whistleblower or victim. On the contrary, Article 6 of the Protection of Notifiers, Witnesses, Experts and Victims System emphasizes the possibility of providing protection to foreign victims in the Kingdom, confirming that protection is guaranteed to everyone.

How is the issue of alimony, housing and spending dealt with?

The system guarantees the girl child’s right to alimony and a decent living, even if the aggressor is responsible for supporting her.

• Alimony Fund: The state established the Alimony Fund for this purpose. According to Article 4 of the Alimony Fund Regulations, the Fund disburses temporary alimony to the beneficiary (the girl child) even before a final court ruling is issued, and disburses alimony due under the court ruling if the convicted person refuses to pay.
• Care and shelter: Article Two of the executive regulations of the Protection from Abuse System stipulates that the Ministry is responsible for providing the necessary shelter and social, psychological and health care for the case.

Are there protection or social support agencies that can help?

Yes, headed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

• Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development: It is the main government body responsible for social protection. The Ministry, through social protection units and reporting centres, is responsible for providing psychological and social support, rehabilitation and shelter when needed, as stipulated in Article Eighteen of the Executive Regulations of the Child Protection System.

Will the case be secret to protect the child?

Yes, confidentiality is a fundamental principle in abuse cases to protect victims.

• Confidentiality of the whistleblower’s identity: Article Five of the Protection from Abuse System prohibits disclosing the identity of the whistleblower, and all employees familiar with the case are obligated to maintain its confidentiality.
• Confidentiality of investigations: As mentioned previously, Rule (4) of the Muscat Document emphasizes the confidentiality of investigation procedures and prevents the publication of any personal information about the child.

The first and urgent step is to contact the Domestic Violence Reporting Center (1919) immediately, as they will direct you to all necessary procedures and provide direct protection and support to the child in complete confidentiality.

For law and legal consultations..Contact the office of lawyer Abdul Majeed Al Rashid.