RIYADH, 13 April 2008 — "We cannot blame the modern age for violence and abuse, as violence has existed since Cane and Able," said Princess Hussa bint Salman at a press conference on the launch of a one-month awareness campaign on abuse by Al-Nahda Philanthropic Society for Women.
In her speech, Princess Hussa said that human rights have existed within Islamic tradition for centuries.
Al-Nahda - which cares for 50 women at its center in Riyadh's Manfooha district - began the campaign on April 19 to raise awareness about domestic violence, sexual harassment, health and social problems.
Hasana Al-Sae'd, director of Al-Nahda, said, "The campaign will include activities, programs, services and related counseling." She added that only around 100 cases of abuse were observed between 1995 and 2008 due to people being apprehensive in coming forward.
Al-Nahda Social Center offers programs on rehabilitation and awareness to families of divorcees, orphans and low-income people, who are cared for by the society.
"When we first took notice of the cases, we had to show support to families and find solutions without interfering completely. This led them to trust us and talk more openly about abuse," said Al-Sae'd.
Most cases relate to husbands beating their wives and children, she added.
Al-Sae'd said Al-Nahda has established an emergency home to care for child beggars. The organization last year cooperated with the National Family Safety Program (NFSP).
"NFSP is Al-Nahda's partner in this campaign. We are holding lectures, organizing sessions and courses, and printing hand outs and brochures to be used as guiding manuals for teachers, educators and social workers," says Dr. Maha Al-Monief, director of NFSP.
Dr. Al-Jazi Al-Shbaiki, dean of the King Saud Center for Girls, said: "The campaign aims to create awareness... Other activities include festivals through which indirect messages will be passed on to women and children to alert them of domestic violence."
