Riyadh: More than 550 domestic violence cases were reported in Saudi Arabia last year, according to a report released by the Saudi Ministry of Social Affairs.

Riyadh reported the highest number of cases with 230 being reported, followed by Makkah with 130, Hail 60, the eastern province 44 and in the Asir region 31 cases were reported.

The northern frontier region reported the lowest number cases of domestic violence cases with just three reported in 2007, the ministry report said.

The total number of cases reported was 569.

Muneera Bint Abdul Rahman Bin Abdullah Al Saud, a Saudi social researcher, said that it was difficult to pinpoint the number of domestic violence cases as there were no studies or statistics on this phenomenon and also due to the limited cases being reported to the concerned agencies.

Research

"In addition to that research on violence against women and in particular assaults on wives is a relatively new trend and so the information available is not sufficient," she told Gulf News.

Dr Mufleh Bin Rubaiaan Al Qah'tani, deputy chairman of the Saudi National Human Rights Association (NHRA) has warned against the increasing cases of domestic violence.

"Violence exists, but the question is how to make it public as this is associated with social and traditions controls," Al Qah'tani added.

He said that the NHRA would release new statistics on family violence cases and their geographical distributions.

He added that poverty may be one of the factors that leads to family violence, adding that if a man feels he is unable to meet the needs of his family this may reflect negatively on his behaviour towards them.

Protection

There is a desire of some boys and girls to free themselves from family restrictions, he said.

It is worth mentioning that protection houses are safe havens for victims of family violence in Saudi Arabia. These houses provide protection and assistance for victims of violence.

The houses also contribute towards solving disputes between spouses.

2007

By region

Riyadh - 230; Makkah - 130; Hail - 60; Eastern province - 44;

Asir region - 31 and Northern Frontier Region - 3