AL-AHSA: At least one battered woman arrives every day for help at a shelter in Al-Ahsa, according to a Ministry of Social Affairs report.

The report revealed that a quarter of cases involved women who had been assaulted by their husbands. Most of those who arrived were Saudi females, with complaints of various forms of abuse, some requiring the involvement of the police and courts.

The ministry stated that there were several under the age of 18; and that attempts were made to resolve their cases amicably with their husbands and family members.

According to the report, 878 domestic workers who had run away from their sponsors were held at the center over the past year, with most having arrived in October.

The report revealed there were 288 Ethiopians maids, 180 from the Philippines, 137 Sri Lankans, 95 Kenyans, and 41 Indians. The ministry questioned the workers to see whether they were subject to physical, sexual or psychological abuse.