Kanaf Trains Forensic Doctors to Aid Child Abuse Victims
In a proactive move to strengthen child protection efforts, Kanaf, an interdisciplinary child protection center in Sharjah, has initiated a comprehensive training program aimed at equipping forensic doctors with essential skills. This program focuses on enhancing their ability to handle cases involving child victims of abuse with both technical proficiency and compassion.
Training Program Overview
The 16-hour training program, developed in partnership with the Sharjah Public Prosecution and Sharjah Courts, seeks to harmonize medical, psychological, and legal strategies in addressing sensitive child abuse cases. The goal is to ensure that every interaction, from medical examinations to courtroom testimonies, prioritizes the child’s dignity and emotional well-being.
Hanadi Al Yafei, Director-General of Child Safety and Head of Kanaf’s Supreme Committee, emphasized the importance of the initial interactions between doctors and children. “Effective care begins with the first words the doctor says to the child and how the examination is conducted,” she stated. This initiative aims to create a cohesive approach that combines medical knowledge, legal precision, and psychological awareness, ensuring that children do not suffer additional trauma during the investigative process.
Workshop Structure
The training program is divided into three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced, each tailored for forensic doctors who are vital in documenting evidence and supporting the judicial process in child abuse cases.
#### Beginner Workshop
The beginner-level workshop concentrated on fostering empathy and employing child-sensitive examination techniques. Doctors learned to identify emotional cues, communicate in age-appropriate language, and utilize tools like anatomical dolls to help children articulate their experiences safely. These strategies aim to alleviate the emotional strain on young victims while enhancing the accuracy of forensic findings.
#### Intermediate Workshop
The intermediate workshop focused on the standards of forensic reporting, equipping doctors with the skills to create precise, legally sound medical reports that meet judicial requirements. Participants were trained on how to structure their reports, meticulously document findings, and integrate medical evidence with psychological insights. This session also clarified the professional and legal boundaries that govern forensic work in cases involving children.
#### Advanced Workshop
The advanced workshop delved into child interviewing techniques applicable in both clinical and forensic environments. It highlighted non-intrusive questioning methods, active listening, and strategies that promote open communication without inflicting further trauma. Doctors were instructed to adapt their approach based on the child’s age, cultural background, and emotional state, ensuring that each case is managed with both scientific rigor and human sensitivity.
Conclusion of the Program
The training program will culminate in a final advanced session, bringing the total training duration to 16 hours. This initiative reflects Kanaf’s commitment to establishing a national standard for integrated child protection practices by enhancing collaboration among health professionals, law enforcement, and the judiciary.
Kanaf, which was officially opened in 2024 under the guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, serves as a multi-agency center dedicated to providing comprehensive care for child victims and their families.
FAQs
What is the purpose of Kanaf’s training program for forensic doctors?
The training program aims to equip forensic doctors with the necessary skills to handle child abuse cases effectively, focusing on technical expertise and empathetic communication to ensure the well-being of child victims.
How is the training structured?
The program consists of three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced workshops, each designed to address different aspects of child-sensitive examination, forensic reporting, and interviewing techniques.
Who oversees Kanaf and its initiatives?
Kanaf operates under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, and is dedicated to enhancing child protection systems in the region.
Conclusion
Kanaf’s training program represents a significant advancement in the approach to child abuse cases, emphasizing the importance of a unified strategy among medical, legal, and psychological professionals. By enhancing the skills of forensic doctors, Kanaf aims to ensure that child victims receive the compassionate and competent care they deserve, paving the way for a more effective child protection framework in Sharjah.
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