Muscat: The increase in cases of crimes committed against children is a worrying situation, especially sexual harassment, and it has to be tackled with an awareness campaign, according to the Public Prosecution, who felt the situation must be highlighted.
The rise in child-related cases, whether as victims or even defendants, is alarming because we believe that the family is the foundation of society. Therefore, the increase in these crimes, whether committed by or against children, points to a worrying situation. Consequently, we must increase awareness about crimes against children, especially those committed against them. What is also alarming is that many of these crimes were related to sexual harassment," according to Dr. Rashid bin Obaid al Kaabi, assistant public prosecutor and official spokesperson for the Public Prosecution
There were over 1,000 cases of sexual harassment and over 100 cases of child rape.
In a message to the families, "Children must be raised based on the foundations of religion, customs, traditions, and good morals. Don't let devices and social media raise children for you."
The Public Prosecution also highlighted a lack of responsibility by some families, noting that negligence and the absence of parental supervision have contributed to the rise in such crimes.
Dr Rashid bin Obaid al Kaabi cited cases in which children were left without proper oversight, including an example of a boy who was addicted to drugs for two years without his family being aware.
He stressed that such situations reflect serious shortcomings in family monitoring and awareness, warning that neglect exposes children to exploitation, abuse and unacceptable behaviour.
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