Child abuse and neglect services in the occupied Palestinian territory

Abstract

This study in 2005 aimed to investigate the services available for abused and neglected children in the occupied Palestinian territory. Telephone interviews were conducted with 62 institutions from the government, non-profit and private sectors that dealt with child abuse and neglect, of which 58 provided services. Services offered were mainly in psychosocial health. Usually abused children were brought to service providers by family members and teachers. Common types of abuse seen at these institutions were physical, psychological and sexual abuse. Interviewees reported most cases of abuse occurred in the home and at school. Challenges were related mainly to sociocultural issues, training, funding and the military occupation.