Tuesday 24 / June / 2025
Muscat: A 12-year-old boy broke both his feet in an attempt to run away from an abusive stepmother, according to the Ministry of Social Development.
A child protection hotline - '1100' - under the Ministry of Social Development, received a complaint about the young Omani boy who had been repeatedly assaulted.
"It became apparent that the 12-year-old boy was assaulted, as a result of his bruises. The child's feet had been broken as he attempted to run away from his house," MoSD said in a statement.
"The child was first seen by doctors who provided him with the necessary treatment...after studying the case the child was sent to Dar Al Wifaq for the child's protection," MoSD added.
"It was uncovered that the child's Asian stepmother was the cause of his abuse and negligence. She would force him to do housework despite his young age, and she would hit him if he did not listen to her. These conditions have made his life vulnerable to abuse which has led to psychological and emotional issues for the child, in addition to physical harm," the online statement added.
"The ministry has assured the public on its continuous efforts to protect and support all members of society irrespective of nationality. In the event of the discovery of a case of abuse of any individual, condition of protection and care will apply," the statement read.
According to the ministry, in 2016, of the estimated 300 cases of child abuse, at least 100 were reported through the hotline 1100.
