PWWSD conducts Workshop on Effects of Sexual Assaults on Children

Tulkarem: The Psycho-social program at the Palestinian Working Women’s Society in cooperation with The Opened University in Tulkarem organized a session under the name:  The effects of sexual assaults on children.

Dr. Hussni Awad, lecturer at AlQuds Opened University emphasized the role of civil society organizations in training fresh students in psycho-social issues, and the possible ways of treating these problems. The students develop their advocacy and interpersonal skills both on the personal and professional level.  

Muthanna Abu Saa’, the supervisor of the familial consultation unit in the Ministry talked about the importance of the consultation unit in the intervention in the cases of sexual assault against children. “Measures are taken to protect children and save them. Some are referred to the Social Affairs unit in the ministry”.

Councilor Sherine Tahhan from the PWWSD talked about the physical, behavioral, psychological and emotional effects of sexual abuse against children. Tahhan indicated that society attends more to sexual assault against women because it is connected to women’s virginity and honor. She confirmed that male victims also suffer from the same effects after sexual harassment. She also emphasized the importance of sexual education and guidance, and the role of the media and its effects on children.

During the workshop, a film was screened on how to help children recover from sexual abuse.

Lawyer Elham Kharraz explored the legal aspect of sexual harassment against children. She talked about the consequent legal punishments, and how the law deals with sexual abuse against children. Kharraz emphasized the need to educate society about similar crimes, and the role of all organizations to pressure for a Palestinian penal code that criminalizes assaults against children.

In the end of the workshop, the participants recommended the inclusion of sexual education in the school curricula, and also the organization of educational workshops for parents and teachers, so that the problem does not evolve to a phenomenon.