Care and rehabilitation services to child victims of abuse in the United Arab Emirates: Examples of innovation

Abstract

This research investigated the innovative services provided to child victims of abuse by the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) using a qualitative methodology: in-depth interviewing of 20 participants and analysis of DFWAC documents. A logic model is used as a framework for understanding the program and shows the relationships among resources used, the processes and activities implemented, outputs, and outcomes. The similarities to and differences from the Child Advocacy Center model are discussed. The findings suggest that DFWAC has appropriate policies and procedures for assisting child victims of abuse, and ecological theory is used to explain the results. Although more work is needed to accurately document DFWAC's effectiveness, the DFWAC is an innovative example of civil society's capacity to address child abuse.