Child Abuse and Neglect in Saudi Arabia: What are We Doing and where Do We Stand?

Abstract

Children have been recognized as victims of violence, neglect, abandonment and slavery throughout recorded history. Infanticide was an accepted practice for dealing with unwanted children in pre-Islamic cultures in the face of scarce resources. Islam began to preach against infanticide and intentionally inflicted injuries, and has considered them a capital offense, necessitating punishment to assailants. Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) affirmed in his sayings that children should be welltreated, fed, educated and gently disciplined in order to create a godly society on earth.