Participants at a seminar on social protection, including representatives from various government departments and charity organizations, underlined the need to provide immediate attention to cases of family abuse.

The two-day seminar, organized by the Makkah branch of the Social Welfare Ministry in Jeddah recently, saw the participation of representatives from government departments including health, education, justice and police besides various charity organizations.

An exhibition, focusing mainly on family violence, was organized on the sidelines of the seminar. It showcased the works of Saudi photographers and painters highlighting various aspects of abuse of women and children.

Visitors were particularly attracted to pavilions which gave detailed account of services offered by various departments and charity organizations to help victims of family violence.

Experts participating in the seminar sought appointment of one or more judges for quick disposal of cases of family violence. They also demanded that investigations into such incidents should also include psychological support and relief to the victims.

The meeting also urged the authorities concerned to prepare and issue guidelines to mediapersons to deal with incidents of family violence in a constructive manner.

The seminar also recommended having a centralized number for victims to complain in all offices dealing with family violence to ensure that they don’t have to call indefinitely for justice.