The Social Protection Unit in Jeddah reported a case of physical and psychological violence against an 8-year-old child, Layla, who was burned in sensitive parts of her body and violently beaten in the face.

The child will be subjected to an examination by forensic specialists on Wednesday. The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim suffered physical abuse at the hands of her stepmother.

Nisreen Abu Taha, public relations director at the social protection unit, said the victim is currently receiving treatment.

Abu Taha said the child’s birth mother and father are separated due to ongoing conflicts and the mother was prevented from visiting her daughter since Ramadan.

Abu Taha said that Layla’s father brought her to the mother on Tuesday and the woman noticed the bruises on her body. The following day, she went to Layla’s school to inquire, where she learned from the student guide about abuse against Layla and reported the case directly to social protection.

According to Abu Taha, the child was previously reported as a victim of physical violence and ill-treatment from her father and his new wife.

Layla had previously complained that her stepmother constrained, burned and hit her. She noted that investigation is still under way to verify the allegations of the child, pointing out that the girl said that the stepmother also instigated her younger brother to try to kill her with a knife and strangle her in her sleep.

Additionally, sources from Layla’s elementary school confirmed they often noticed bruises on her face and head. The school informed the authorities, which sent a medical team to examine the child and to follow up on her condition.

Meanwhile, Fadia Anani, social service director at Jeddah’s Gynecology and Children’s Hospital, said the physical, psychological aspects of the case are under examination and a final report on the case will be delivered to the authorities upon completion of the investigation.