Most criminals against children escape punishment for many reasons, the most important of which are the following:
1. Failure to report the crime for fear of scandal.
2. Family’s failure to save the necessary evidence in a timely and appropriate manner.
3. Society’s inability to protect child victims of sexual abuse.
4. The poor efficiency of investigation officials in gathering evidence.
5. The intimidation or enticement victims’ families face to revoke their cases.
To prevent many more children from becoming victims of the same criminal or other criminals, society must believe the victim and advocate for their safety.
All child victims of serious crimes in Yemen should have access to legal protection, psychological support, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
Crimes of violence and sexual exploitation against children have increased at an unprecedented rate in light of the war, and we—as a Yemeni society—are responsible for protecting and advocating for victims and preventing criminals from impunity.
